Gaudi's Barcelona
Born in Reus in 1852, Antoni Gaudi was a Catalan architect who worked during the Modernist (Art Nouveau) era
. However, from childhood his individualistic style was inspired by nature and natural formation, which you see in the curved stonework and twisted iron sculptures that form an important part of his work. Also notable is the use of mosaic, adding colour to normally dull facades.
Sagrada Familia Cathedral
Most notable of all his creations is the unfinished temple Sagrada Famlia, which is not only Barcelona's but also probably Spain's top tourist attraction. Construction started in 1882 and is not expected to reach completion until 2026.
Gaudi was a devout catholic and spent over 10 years working just on this project; he oversaw the construction right up to his death in 1926. The work has continued on although much of the original design has been modified and has been open to interpretation.
The privately funded Roman Catholic Church has ensured that work on the church is completed. It is planned that the Sagrada Familia be consecrated and proclaimed a Basilica by the Pope in November 2010.
There is an entrance fee, for further details visit
www.sagradafamilia.org. Opening times are 09.00-18.00 (oct-march) and 09.00-20.00 (apr-sept). To arrive you need to catch the Metro to Sagrada Familia (Blue Line, L5) or Purple Line, L2.
Casa Batllo
Casa Batllo is a privately owned building situated on Passeig de Grcia in the Eixample district of Barcelona, which was restored by Gaudi between 1904-1906.
The simple reforms to the faade give the same effect as a stone thrown into a pool of flowering water lillies'. The comparison of the faade was made against a series of oil paintings Water Lillies' by Monet; the undulating surface set in polychrome circles of glazed ceramic and fragments of coloured glass shimmer in the light.
Each piece was placed with precise positioning by the workmen, the work directed personally by Gaud. The arched roof has been likened to the back of a dragon and a common theory is that the arch together with the top turret and cross represent the sword of Saint George (Patron Saint of Catalonia), plunged into the back of the dragon.
The interior is no less impressive; the goal of the design seems to be to avoid straight lines altogether and the redistribution of the interior walls, stairwell and doors is astonishing.
Local residents have nicknamed the house Casa dels ossos (House of Bones) for its skeletal design. The building is a stunning unique work and an absolute must if you are visiting Barcelona.
There is an entrance fee, which includes a guided tour in several languages; for further information check out the website
www.casabattlo.es. To arrive you need to take the Metro (Green Line L3) to Passeig de Grcia. The station is just 30 seconds walk away if you take the exit for Calle Arag-Rambla.
Parc Gell
Parc Gell (Gell Park) is a beautiful public garden situated on the hill of El Carmel in the Grcia district of Barcelona. The park, probably the best example of Art Nouveau landscape architecture in the world, together with other structures created by Gaudi, are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Works of Antoni Gaudi".
Named after the Count Eusebi Gell, the park, which was completed in 1914 was originally part of an unsuccessful upper class housing complex and in 1923 it was given to the city as a municipal park. The park was skilfully designed to bring peace and calm to the minds of its visitors.
The main gateway entrance incorporates two pavilions made in stone with Catalan vaults and twisted rock columns and covered with Trencads (a type of mosaic made with broken tile pieces). The grand stone staircase that leads up to the main terrace features the famous mosaic dragon, which was unfortunately vandalised in 2007.
The focal point of the park is the main terrace, which is surrounded by a long bench in the form of a sea serpent, on which Gaudi also incorporated many motifs of Catalan nationalism.
Full of narrow twisting paths, it's easy to lose your bearings and find yourself in a part of the gardens that you did not expect. At a point in the centre, there is a small house, in which Gaudi lived for a period.
At the highest point, the park offers a complete and fabulous panoramic view of Barcelona and the bay, including Gaudi's other masterpiece the Sagrada Familia cathedral and Montjuc.
Admission to the park is free and it's everyday all year round from 10am to dusk. To arrive you catch the Metro to Lesseps (Green Line L3). The park is around a 20 minute walk from the Metro station. Alternatively you can catch Bus 24 from Placa (Plaza) de Catalunya, which will take you right to the entrance.
The best way to stay while you are in Barcelona on a city break is to rent a
holiday apartment in Barcelona - an economic alternative to
Gaudi's Barcelona
By: Steffen Hansen
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