Discover the Architecture of Gaudi in Barcelona

[google1]

This is a guest post by one of our UK readers.

It’s hard to escape the huge influence of architect Antoni Gaudi when you’re wandering around Barcelona. Many of the iconic buildings in the city were designed and created by the Spaniard in his distinctive style and anyone visiting should look out for his masterpieces dotted around the city. Much of his work was based around his passion for nature, but he also had an appetite for religion and love. See how many glimpses of Gaudi’s extraordinary work you can find…

Sagrada Familia:

Photo by SlapBcn via Flickr.

No trip to Barcelona is complete without a visit to Gaudi’s magnum opus, the Sagrada Familia, which towers above the city. This large Roman Catholic Church is still incomplete but has a truly unique style and elegance to it. Construction of the church began as far back as 1882 with Gaudi getting involved a year later, combining Gothic and curvilinear Art Nouveau forms. When Gaudi died in 1926, only a quarter of the structure was completed and work has progressed slowly since then. In order to fund the building process, it relies on private donations and it’s now over half way finished. It is expected to be completed by 2026 – a century after his death. The top of the church stands 300ft above the ground and currently features eight spires. Visitors have to pay to enter the church and although it’s still covered in scaffolding, it’s still well worth seeing.

Casa Mila:

 Photo by Dimodi via Flickr.

Built for a wealthy married couple, Casa Mila or La Pedrera (meaning the Quarry) is a block of apartments built between 1905 and 1910. The façade of the building is particularly striking and reminiscent of Gaudi’s work with its wave-like stone. At the time it was considered to be an innovative piece of architecture with its steel structure and curtain walls. The balconies and windows on the building are made from wrought-iron and were pretty controversial when it was first built and unlike anything else during that period.

Casa Batllo:

Photo by Ulf Liljankoski via Flickr.

Not far from the Casa Mila is the Casa Batllo – another apartment block often referred to in the city as the ‘House of Bones’ because of its skeletal style. It was renovated by Gaudi between 1904 and 1906 and the entire building is pretty spectacular to look at with every part of it offering something totally different. With irregular oval windows, mosaics and sculpted stone work, the Casa Mila is an amazing piece of architecture. Perhaps the most striking aspect of the building is the arched roof that has been likened to a dragon or dinosaur.

Casa Vicens:

Photo by Oh-Barcelona.com via Flickr.

Built between 1883 and 1889, Casa Vicens was one of Gaudi’s first pieces of any great importance. It was built as a family residence for the broker Manuel Vicensi Montaner in the Gracia district of Barcelona. The house has four levels and a Moorish influence is evident here, particularly at the top of the building. The brightly coloured ceramic tiles make the building stand out and glow in the Spanish sun – perfect for photo opportunities! Although the inside of the house cannot be visited as it’s a private residence, it’s certainly worth walking past and taking a quick peek at the exterior.

*Get the first glimpse of our new travel photos & posts! Subscribe by email and get new travel articles delivered straight to your inbox:

Or add us to your favorite feed reader by clicking the orange icon!

*Please remember all photos on this website, unless otherwise noted, are copyrighted and property of Beers and Beans Travel Website, Nariko’ s Nest Weddings & Bethany Salvon. Please do not use them without my permission. If you do want to use one of them please contact me first because I do love to share and I would be flattered. Thanks!