Gaudí

Antoni Gaudi is considered the best known architect in the Catalan Modernism style. He has arguably had the biggest impact of any other human be on the architectural uniqueness in Barcelona, which is one of my favorite things about Barcelona. Just walking around parts of the city and looking at the buildings can be a great experience, even for someone like myself who isn’t an architecture aficionado. Here are a few of his works that I have visited:

La Sagrada Familia-
The most impressive building I have ever been in is the Sagrada Familia, and it was not even finished. Construction started in 1882, and although Gaudi died in 1926, the Sagrada Familia is not scheduled to be completed until 2026 (100 years after his death). I have seen building that are as big as the Sagrada Familia and I have seen buildings that are as detailed as the Sagrada Familia, but I have never seen a building that is as big and as detailed as the Sagrada Familia. It is one the most unique and amazing buildings I have ever been in.

Casa Batllo-
Done for the Batllo family in 1904, Casa Batllo (also know as the house of bones due to its exterior appearance) has become an iconic building in Barcelona. It will be beautifully decorated for Catalonian holidays, such as St. Jordi (which is similar to Valentine’s Day in other parts of the world), when it is covered in roses. In the summer they also do a rooftop concert series, and an admission ticket allows for a tour of the building and a rooftop concert. It is a great way to see such an iconic building.

La Pedrera (Casa Mila)-
Passeig de Gràcia is arguably the most architecturally beautiful street in one of the most architecturally unique and beautiful cities in the world. Like Casa Batllo, La Pedrera (also known as Casa Mila) stands out as a star amongst stars. I was able to visit it on a field trip with some of the classes I was teaching in Vilanova i la Geltru. The “stone quarry” was built for the Mila family in the early 1900s.

Parc Guell-
Situated at a natural elevation that offers excellent views of Barcelona, Parc Guell is another one of Gaudi’s masterpieces. While all of the park used to be free to enter, a portion of the park (the most beautiful part) now requires an entry fee during most hours, and the tickets usually sell out. This was done to limit foot traffic causing wear and tear to the site and to fund maintenance and upkeep. I would suggest booking in advance or going early for one of the free times. However, the free part of the park offers the better views of the city and is beautiful in its own right. Parc Guell was initially meant to be a housing development of luxury homes funded by Eusebi Guell, but this business plan failed in part due to the distance (and uphill walk) from the old city. It was then converted into a municipal garden and has now reached iconic status.

Church of Colonia Guell-
I had the opportunity to visit Colinia Guell on a field trip with some of the English classes I was teaching in the El Prat area of Barcelona. As its name alludes, Colonia Guell was also funded by Eusebi Guell, but when he ran out of funds the project was not completed. It is located a bit outside of the city of Barcelona, and while not quite as impressive as some of Gaudi’s other works, it is a nice display of his unique architectural creativity.

Placa Reial-
Located in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona just off La Rambla, Placa Reial is a popular place for tourists to pass through. However, many people do not take the time to look closely at the unique lampposts, which were beautifully designed by Gaudi.

Lock Clock Misión Gaudi Escape Room-
Although it was not actually built by Gaudi, I was able to try a Gaudi themed escape room in the center of Barcelona. It was my first time trying an escape room, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. And we made it out!