Jessica GoulburnA Peek at Gaudi's Barcelona
July 10th 2008 06:27
Before I visited Spain, Antoni Gaudi was not a name I recognised. Nor did I realise the beauty of his architectural designs. By far one of the most spectacular, unusual and unique architects, Gaudi’s designs are impossible to ignore and sure to excite each and every admirer.
For our second day in Barcelona, we decided to explore Gaudi’s Barcelona, visiting his main designs. We started at La Pedrera, also known as Casa Mila, which Gaudi completed in 1912. To describe the building as spectacular does not do the structure or its architect justice. The uniqueness of the design amazes all who enter. The archways inside, the incredible statues on the rooftop, the circular void and the intricate accessories add to the awesomeness that is Gaudi’s design.
Next we visited Park Guell, where the minute you walk through the gates, it feels like you have been transported into Alice’s wonderland. Incorporating many motifs of Catalan nationalism as well as elements from religious mysticism and ancient poetry, the housing development turned Municipal Park is inspiring. We wandered through the many gardens that make up Park Guell, getting lost in its seams, before visiting Gaudi’s house, which evokes its peaceful surroundings.
After relaxing in the park for quite a while, we stumbled across Casa Battlo, a building we had never read about, yet walked past on our way home from the train station. Looking back now, it is impossible to believe that we never noticed it before. Evoking skeletal images, the external façade is amazing. Indeed, the interior delights as well with oval shaped windows and polished sculpted stonework. Decorated almost entirely with mosaic, the building goes against conventions by virtually completely avoiding straight lines.
However, it has been said that Gaudi’s biggest success lies in the largest and most recognisable work, the Roman Catholic Church – La Sagrada Familia. While construction began in 1882, the building is still surrounded by scaffolding as work continues today. Rich with Christian symbolism, the most striking aspect, the towers, are visible from almost everywhere. It is almost impossible to describe the magnificent architecture and design that makes up this enormous Church. The views are spectacular from the tall towers. The peacefulness inside is astounding considering the amount of people milling about.
Gaudi’s designs are indeed spectacular. Yet more than this, they are unique, deeply reflecting the designer himself. It is easy to get lost in Gaudi’s designs, most of which have come to be a symbol of modernist Barcelona.
For our second day in Barcelona, we decided to explore Gaudi’s Barcelona, visiting his main designs. We started at La Pedrera, also known as Casa Mila, which Gaudi completed in 1912. To describe the building as spectacular does not do the structure or its architect justice. The uniqueness of the design amazes all who enter. The archways inside, the incredible statues on the rooftop, the circular void and the intricate accessories add to the awesomeness that is Gaudi’s design.
Next we visited Park Guell, where the minute you walk through the gates, it feels like you have been transported into Alice’s wonderland. Incorporating many motifs of Catalan nationalism as well as elements from religious mysticism and ancient poetry, the housing development turned Municipal Park is inspiring. We wandered through the many gardens that make up Park Guell, getting lost in its seams, before visiting Gaudi’s house, which evokes its peaceful surroundings.
After relaxing in the park for quite a while, we stumbled across Casa Battlo, a building we had never read about, yet walked past on our way home from the train station. Looking back now, it is impossible to believe that we never noticed it before. Evoking skeletal images, the external façade is amazing. Indeed, the interior delights as well with oval shaped windows and polished sculpted stonework. Decorated almost entirely with mosaic, the building goes against conventions by virtually completely avoiding straight lines.
However, it has been said that Gaudi’s biggest success lies in the largest and most recognisable work, the Roman Catholic Church – La Sagrada Familia. While construction began in 1882, the building is still surrounded by scaffolding as work continues today. Rich with Christian symbolism, the most striking aspect, the towers, are visible from almost everywhere. It is almost impossible to describe the magnificent architecture and design that makes up this enormous Church. The views are spectacular from the tall towers. The peacefulness inside is astounding considering the amount of people milling about.
Gaudi’s designs are indeed spectacular. Yet more than this, they are unique, deeply reflecting the designer himself. It is easy to get lost in Gaudi’s designs, most of which have come to be a symbol of modernist Barcelona.
| 57 |
| Vote |
Shared on
Subscribe to this blog
