There are actually a lot of amazing architects all over the world. But in Barcelona, only one name rules them all - Antoni Gaudi. Gaudi's architectural creations are the benchmark of the classic Spanish styles and facades. Indeed, his works are reflections of his own distinctive and remarkable artistry that is influenced by the Spanish culture, religion and tradition.
Many of Gaudi's masterpieces are found in Barcelona, making the city the most visited tourist destination in Spain. In fact, seven of his architectural pieces are declared as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the past decades. Here are some of the spots in Barcelona where you can find the works of Antoni Gaudi, the best known architect of Catalan Modernism.
1. Park Güell
Located in La Salut, Park Güell is a public park system that was built in 1900 and was officially opened to the public in 1926. Park Güell is known to be the reflection of Antoni Gaudi's naturalist image. The organic shapes of the structure of Park Güell were said to root from Gaudi's analysis of geometry that was fused with his fine artistry and structural richness. Park Güell was declared as a World Heritage Site in 1984 in honor of the works of Antoni Gaudi.
2. Casa Milà
The Casa Milà, also known as the La Pedrera was remodelled by Antoni Gaudi from 1906 to 1912. According to the official website of UNESCO, the building of Casa Milà already existed even before Gaudi decided to modify and redesign it. Gaudi had preserved some of the building's original design and blended it with the touch of the modern style of architecture. Casa Milà was also declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984.
3. Casa Batlló
Casa Batlló is found at the center of Barcelona and is considered to one of the best architectural pieces of Antoni Gaudi. According to A Brit and A Southerner, the design of Casa Batlló at the present day is far different from its original design when it was first constructed in 1877. Gaudi redesigned the building in 1904 and was thereafter refurbished for several times. The facade of the building was decorated with broken ceramic tiles that were formed into a mosaic while the roof was modelled from a back of a dinosaur or a dragon. The building is also known today as the Casa dels ossos or the House of Bones.
4. Casa Vicens
Casa Vicens is the very first house designed by Antoni Gaudi. It is also known to be one of the first constructions of the Art Nouveau in Barcelona. Casa Vicens is located along the Gràcia on Carrer de les Carolines which makes it out of sight from the main streets compared to the other works of Gaudi. The design of Casa Vicens was derived from the Neo-Mudéjar architecture that was commonly used by Gaudi in his architectural constructions. The building is also considered to be the benchmark of the modern Catalan architecture.
5. La Sagrada Familia
There is no question that the La Sagrada Familia is the most popular among all the works of Antoni Gaudi. The fact that the cathedral is still left unfinished as of this day is what made it more popular all over the world. This amazingly stunning architectural masterpiece of Antoni Gaudi has become an epitome of beauty not only in Barcelona or Spain, but in the whole wide world as well. Whether you are inside or outside the La Sagrada Familia, this marvellous church building will never cease to stun and amaze your eyes and your heart.
