The Barcelona of Gaudí
The Barcelona of Gaudi, the city that became home to most of his great works. He moved to Barcelona at the age of 17, and studied architecture here.
We find it really difficult not to have read or heard of him when you plan to come to Barcelona. The question is, who is Antoni Gaudí and why is he so famous?
Antoní Gaudí
Gaudí was an incredibly talented Catalan architect, internationally recognized as one of the most prodigious experts in his discipline.
Starting as part of the Catalan Modernism movement, he soon became the greatest exponent. “His exceptional ground-breaking genius made him the inventor of a unique, personal and incomparable architectural language that defies classification”.
With his own style and instinct, Gaudí managed to stand out from the crowd:
Gaudí was an incredibly talented Catalan architect, internationally recognized as one of the most prodigious experts in his discipline.
Starting as part of the Catalan Modernism movement, he soon became it’s greatest exponent.
“His exceptional ground-breaking genius made him the inventor of a unique, personal and incomparable architectural language that defies classification”.
- Influenced by his passions in life: architecture, nature, and religion.
- He preferred the organic curves of nature to straight man-made lines. As a result, Gaudí rarely used straight lines in any of his works.
- Creator of a type of structure known as equilibrated. To sum up, this allowed buildings to stand on its own without internal support (as a tree stands). You can appreciate this system in two of his great works: the Casa Batlló (1904–1906) and the Casa Milà (1905–1910).
- In addition, he integrated crafts as ceramics, stained glass, wrought ironwork forging, and carpentry in his designs.
- He introduced into his architecture new techniques such as trencadis.
- It took him 40 years of his life to build the Sagrada Familia, which to this day remains unfinished.
- 8 of Gaudí’s works have been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Gaudí’s eye catching and unique Designs
You can see some of the most important buildings designed by Gaudí throughout the city:
Casa Vicens
Considered one of the first Art Nouveau buildings in the world, and Gaudí’s first important building and residence. shows how Gaudi broke away from tradition and created his own language of architecture.
Casa Milá (La Pedrera)
The park is where Gaudí pioneered the technique known as ‘trencadís’.
Parc Güell
Referred to as the stone quarry because of its appearance. There is not a single straight angle in this house.
Palau Güell
One of the first important commissions Antoni Gaudí received at the start of his career. A peculiar urban palace.
Colonia Güell
This is where Gaudi brought together for the first time all of his architectural innovations.
Casa Batlló
Known as “the House of the Dragon”. The symbolism on its façade is related to the Legend of Saint George, the patron saint of Catalonia.
La Sagrada Familia
Gaudí is Buried There. It’s Been Under Construction for Over a Century. When it is completed, it will be the tallest religious building in all of Europe.
One thing is for sure, even if you know nothing about architecture or Antoní Gaudí, you will know! If you walk the streets of Barcelona, you will intuitively be able to identify his work, because they are unmistakable.
The Barcelona of Gaudí is worth visiting!
The city of Barcelona has a lot more to offer than just architecture. Check out these 10 not to miss ceremonial events : 10 ceremonial events in Barcelona that international students should not miss – Barcelona students
Or ultimately, check out our Housing section for more information about how to settle in this amazing city : Housing
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