Barcelona, Spain is a city in the northeastern part of Spain called Catalan, located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Barcelona is a center for an architectural style known as Catalan Modernism that was part of the larger modernism movement known as Art Nouveau, developed in the late 1880s and early 1900s. One of the most famous architects of this Catalan Modernism was Antoni Gaudi (1852-1926). His style encompasses irregular lines, curved forms, and surprising contrasts which create an awe-inspiring view. In total he finished 18 projects and his last project is still in construction today.
1. Casa Batlló
Casa Batlló was built in 1907 on one of the most elegant streets, el Paseo de Gracia. Gaudi's inspiration for this house is from the Mediterranean Sea. The outside of the house is a symbol of the patron saint of Barcelona, Saint George. The legends says that he killed a dragon that terrorized the people of the town. The balconies look like skulls of the victims, the columns are their bones, and the tower is Saint George's sword cleaving the dragon's back. The tiles are the scales of the dragon, the roof its back.
2. El Parque Guell
This is probably one of Gaudi's most famous pieces. It is large park filled with various items of his construction. There are benches that run around the park that are beautifully decorated with tile mosaics and provide a breath taking view of the city below the park. There is also the Sala de las Cien Columnas, or the room of hundred columns. It provides a cool, shaded area to rest from the sun's heat. The staircase up to the room, which is the entrance to the park, is magnificently decorated with a tiled lizard in the center.
https://www.parkguell.es/en/portada
3. Casa Milá
Casa Mila is also known as the La Pedrera. Just like the Casa Batlló, this building is also on el Paseo de Gracia as well as two others of Gaudi's works. The building is decorated with balconies on both the exterior and interior facades of the building. The building breaks traditional standards of lines by his use of this wave on the outside. The roof has interesting little structures that resemble columns and has a walkway that allows visitors to stroll around on top.
https://www.lapedrera.com/en/home
4. La Sagrada Familia
This is the last work of Gaudi and unfortunately, he died before its completion. He began work in March of 1882. It had been 44 years since he started working on it, when he died in 1926!! It is unique in many ways, including that it was and continues to be built with money from donations only. Work continues today using Gaudi's original plans. Architects hope that it will be completed sometimes within the first third of the 21st century. Which means the church would have taken over 130 years to build!!! The design itself holds much symbolism. For example, there are twelve bell towers to represent the twelve apostles.
https://www.sagradafamilia.cat/sf-eng/index.php
These are just some of the unique and inspiring works of Antoni Gaudi. Most of his buildings are UNESCO world heritage sites, so they have been preserved with the utmost care.
Catalan Modernism is a unique feature that really gives homage to the city through its focus on using materials known to the area as well as giving Barcelona its vibe. Exploring the architecture of Barcelona is one of the best ways to take in the unique culture of this area.
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