Gaudí (1852–1926) is everywhere in Barcelona and we did visit many of Gaudí’s structures, at least once, from Sagrada Familia to Park Güell (see earlier post), to La Pedrera (Casa Milà) to Casa Batlló. We even stopped by his hometown of Reus, but it was Sunday and the museum was closed.
According to the Barcelona tourism website, “the basic concept of using nature as the primary influences for his creativity is reflected in the use of the natural curved construction stones, twisted iron sculptures, and organic-like shapes – all of which are characteristic traits of Gaudí’s architecture.”
Work on La Sagrada Família commenced in 1882, and Gaudí took over the project in 1883, working until his death in 1926; at this point, completion is expected in 2026.
The kids’ audio tour is very worthwhile, as is the elevator ride to the top. However, the narrow stairway on the walk down was a bit tight for my liking!
The basement is interesting for some of Gaudí’s models as well as his burial site.
And the interior of La Sagrada Família is certainly like no church you have ever seen, or will ever see.
Note the balconies on Casa Batlló (built in 1904-1906), which look like skulls, and the pillars, resembling bones; inspired by marine life, the colors on the facade are found in coral.
Looking down at Passeig de Gràcia from the first floor…
Gaudí’s ability to capture natural light was amazing, shown here in a beautifully colored lightwell inside Casa Batlló, as well as in the building’s top floor hallway.
Note the dragon’s back on the roof, as well as the unique chimneys with the same tiles that are on the facade…
Just up Passeig de Gràcia, I found La Pedrera (Casa Milà) to be less impressive than Casa Batlló; it didn’t help that the exterior was covered up by a renovation project during much of our Barcelona year. This photo doesn’t look real, but it is.
La Pedrera, meaning “the quarry”, as apparently the facade has some related resemblance, was built between 1906 and 1912. I found the roof to be the best part, with its interesting chimneys and view of La Sagrada Família.
Finally, let’s not forget the hexagonal sidewalk tiles along Passeig de Gràcia, reproductions of original tiles designed by Gaudí in 1904; another example of Gaudí’s focus on nature.
