Antoni Gaudi In Barcelona, Spain you can find some of the most beautiful buildings that have been created by the famous architect Antoni Gaud. There are several architectural landmarks in the city that were designed by him, but the most popular ones are the Palau Reial de Pedralbes and the Sagrada Familia. The latter is a church that is a UNESCO World Heritage site and was built by Gaud himself. Other Gaud architecture in the city includes the Casa Vicens and the Parc Guell.
Sagrada Familia
A major landmark in Barcelona Spain, Sagrada Familia is one of the best examples of the work of Antoni Gaudi. Its fusion of Gothic and Art Nouveau influences makes it a unique building. As a result of this, the cathedral has been declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO in 2005.
The construction of the Sagrada Familia started in 1882. During this time, Gaudi spent hours building models of the church. He also devoted the remainder of his life to the project.
The Sagrada Familia has had many design and engineering influences. It is a perfect example of how form and function interact. Light plays a significant role in Gaudi’s work.
Gaudi also used his own design elements such as organic forms and natural geometries. This was an attempt to combine the Gothic style with a more modern design.
In addition to its stunning exterior, the interior of the Sagrada Familia is also a magnificent work of art. There is an abundance of ornate sculpture and mosaics stuffed into the building. Besides the architectural elements, the interior of the church is full of symbolism. Among other things, it is based on the gospels.
The Sagrada Familia is the most iconic and famous of all Gaudi’s works. However, it is only half complete. Construction began in the late 19th century, but it took a long time to finish due to funding issues.
A number of architects have worked on the project over the years. Some of the more prominent Gaudi-inspired architects include Isidre Puig Boada, Francesc de Paula Cardoner Blanch, and Jordi Bonet Armengol.
After Gaudi’s death in 1926, Domenec Sugranyes took over the project. Sugranyes did not follow Gaudi’s original plans. His designs included a crypt for the deceased. Several years later, Alvar Aalto petitioned against the restoration of the Sagrada Familia.
Today, the architecture of the Sagrada Familia is under the direction of architect Jordi Fauli i Oller. In October 2015, 70% of the structure was completed.
Sagrada Familia is a complex and costly church. The funding for it was provided by donations.
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Casa Vicens
Casa Vicens, Gaudi’s first masterpiece, is a stunning example of one of the most influential architects of the early twentieth century. A visit to the Casa Vicens, which is now a museum, is an educational experience.
In the late nineteenth century, Manuel Vicens i Montaner, the owner of the house, decided to convert it into a summer residence. He commissioned Gaudi to design the building. His wife, Fabiola Jover de Herrero, was the person who maintained the house, and she consulted with Gaudi on certain details.
The building is constructed of brick and stone. Its curved roof is covered with terracotta tiles. Its cornices are crowned by colorful tiled cupolas, inspired by the minarets of mosques.
The main floor of the house contains a large open space with a staircase on one side. There are two apartments on the second floor. One room has a mural featuring flying doves.
The attic was once divided into two apartments. Today, it houses a display of old photographs, a video about the restoration work, and models of the building.
The facade of the building is covered with multicolored floral tiles. Interestingly, the walls are actually made of unfinished golden-hued stone, rather than the more conventional red brick.
Another feature of the Casa Vicens is the wrought iron railing, which was designed by sculptor Llorenc Matamala. This is actually the first instance of the modernist building’s use of a wrought iron railing.
The ceilings and walls are decorated with paper mache plant motifs. Some of the paintings in the walls are by local artist Francesc Torrescassana.
There is also a small fountain in the courtyard. Its top is adorned with a wrought iron net, which resembles a spider’s web.
It is worth mentioning that Casa Vicens, Gaud Architecture in Barcelona Spain, was one of the first buildings of its kind to be recognized as a World Heritage Site. Visitors can take advantage of free entry during European Night of Museums on 31 December, 2018.
The attic of Casa Vicens, Gaudi’s most famous building, contains a small museum. However, it is closed to the public on 6 January and 25 December.
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Palau Reial de Pedralbes
Palau Reial de Pedralbes is one of the most famous buildings in Barcelona, Spain. It is situated in the district of Les Corts. During the 19th century, it served as the residence of the Guell family. The building was eventually transformed into a Royal Palace.
It is considered to be one of the best modernist buildings in Barcelona. UNESCO listed it as a world heritage in 1984. As an architect, Gaudi designed a number of other buildings in Barcelona. Some of the buildings are Park Guell, Casa Mila and Casa Batllo.
Park Guell is one of the most unusual and unique parks in the city. Gaudi did not build this park according to any blueprint. He improvised on the designs and changed them as he went along.
The Park Guell contains over a dozen acres of gardens. You can enjoy the view of the surrounding forest or the sweeping views of the city. There are many attractions within the gardens. For example, you can find the multicolored mosaic salamander and the gingerbread houses.
The garden is also home to the golden apple tree. According to legend, the apple gave immortality to those who ate it. Also, you can see the cannon in the shape of a Chinese dragon.
Casa Mila is one of Gaudi’s last private residential designs. He used the building as a living space, but it is also a work of art. Many people call it a sculpture rather than a house.
Another Gaud architectural masterpiece is the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia. This basilica is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Designed by Antoni Gaud, it has been in construction for more than a century. Although it is not finished, it is expected to be complete in 2026.
Casa Batllo is also one of the most well-known buildings in the city. In 1906, the Barcelona City Council voted it as one of the three best buildings in the city. Though it was criticized during its construction, it is now recognized as a national landmark.
Parc Guell
Park Guell is one of the most popular landmarks in Barcelona. Located near the city’s Lesseps and Vallcarca metro stations, it is accessible by bus number 24 from Passeig de Gracia. The park was designed by Antoni Gaudi, a Catalan architect who was inspired by Art Nouveau.
Originally, the park was conceived as a residential community for aristocrats. After a deep economic crisis in the late nineteenth century, the construction of the urbanization was abandoned. Instead, a garden was planted. In the 1920s, Park Guell became a public space.
This area was planted with a variety of plants, including olive trees, pines, and fruit trees. A winding bank was also created in this section.
The park is also home to a variety of sculptures, such as a statue of a dragon. The third fountain sculpture features a mythological Python from the temple of Delphi. It has a 2.4 m long wingspan and is made of bare brick covered in colored trencadis.
Another important feature of the park is the mosaic bench. It is shaped like a sea snake and meanders around the entire square.
Gaudi’s architectural style is unique and is apparent in every element. He used gothic and Arabic elements in his work. His unique style can be seen in anything from the pillars to the mosaics.
The park’s main entrance is located on the south side of the park. The walkways are covered with columns shaped like trees.
The park is divided into three sections. The monumental zone includes the market hall, a winding bank, and a friendly dragon.
The park also contains a variety of crosses. The most important cross in the park is the one on Calvary Hill. It measures 3.8 m tall and was reconstructed after the Civil War.
Park Guell is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There is a Gaudi House-Museum on the site. An interpretation center is also located there.
Parc Guell is a wonderful place to visit and enjoy the panoramic views of the city. You can see the city’s skyline, the sea, and the mountain in the background.
