Barcelona Museums
Barcelona
Antoni Gaudi
The names Antoni Gaudi and Barcelona are intertwined.
It's impossible to visit Barcelona without encountering his work and in fact - some of his lesser known designs are worth seeking out. Here are some of them.
Finca Güell (1884-1887), "Av. de Pedralbes 77"
Gaudi designed this house for his friend and sponsor Eusebi Güell.
The portal of Finca Miralles "Passeig Manuel Girona"
Only a small work for another friend of his, in an interesting contrast to "Casa Calvet", which was made during the same period of time.
Bellesguard (1900-1905), "16-20 Carrer de Bellesguard"
The Torre Bellesguard (Bellesguard) is also known as la Casa Figueras. It was built from 1900-1905 in an area close to the Collserola mountain, in the vicinity of the spot where the Counts of Barcelona had a palace of the same name. This building has become a Barcelona landmark.
Colegio Teresiano (1888-1890), "Ganduxer, 87"
Antoni Gaudí's Colegio Teresiano is a school for female Catholic teachers.
An unknown architect had already laid the foundation stone and established the floor plan of the four-story Colegio when Reverend Enrique de Ossó i Cervelló asked Antoni Gaudí to take over.
When he built this school, Gaudí evidently was inspired by gothic style and created a masterpiece of simple and clear lines.
Casa Vincens (1883-1888) , "Carrer de les Carolines 22"
The residential Casa Vicens (Vicens House) was built between 1883 and 1888 for the ceramics industrialist Manuel Vicens i Montaner. Forming part of the architect's early period, the building's structure is dominated by straight lines.
Casa Mila (1906-1910) , " Passeig de Gràcia 92 "
The views of Barcelona at sunset from the roof of Casa Mila are stunning, rich in colour, the irregularly curved walls of this building blend in like sand dunes in the desert. It earned the nickname La Pedrera , "the quarry" because at the time it was built - it was too futuristic for most people.
Casa Batllo(1904-1906) , "Passeig de Gracia 43"
Another futurist work, with no single straight line at its front. Even the walls are curved and seem to be covered by leather.
Casa Calvet (1898-1900) ,"Carrer de Casp 48 "
This building served as both a commercial property and a residence and is one of Gaudi's most traditional works. That might be the reason why Gaudí received for this building his one and only honorable mention by the city of Barcelona.
Palau Güell (1886-1890) , "Carrer Nou de la Rambla 3-5"
Gaudi also built this house for Eusebi Güell. Built within narrow streets, it is not easy to take in the full view of this building.
Sagrada Familia (1882-Present), "Plaça de la Sagrada Familia"
Sagrada Familia or the Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia was begun in 1882 by public subscription. A year later Gaudí became director of the project, a post he would hold for more than 40 years until his death in 1926.
By far Gaudis most famous work, this great cathedral has become a landmark of modern architecture. Gaudí died before he could finish his biggest and most beloved project, with galleries that should have room for 1500 singers, 700 children and 5 organs.
Parc Güell (1900-1914) , "Carrer d'Olot"
A scenario of gardens and architectural forms that seem to be born out of the ground. Gaudí created a balance that usually only exists in nature. Here it is seen in architecture.
Crypta Colonia Güell This small chapel, wonderfully integrated in the landscape, is 15 km from the city.