For all of those who are wondering what Gaudi architecture is about and why should go to Spain to admire it, well, here is a small brief about the architecture and its significance. Antoni Gaudí is a well-known architect who is famous for his original buildings. Gaudí’s work is admired across the world by other leading architects because of his unique and distinctive architectural style. As most of his creativity is focused in Spain, hence why you must visit Barcelona to see the unique work and style of Antoni Gaudí.
One just has to explore the streets of Barcelona, and they would be able to identify a Gaudí building intuitively. After all, his buildings carry that unmistakable signature style of his that is hard to imitate or replace. There are organic-like shapes and the use of nature in the architecture designed by Gaudi. It is a good idea to go for Barcelona tours that cover the Gaudi architecture.
Here is a brief round-up of the most famous and influential Gaudi architecture in Barcelona.
The first notable building, Casa Vicens – Casa Vicens is the residence building and an outstanding example of Gaudi architecture. Noted as one of the first Art Nouveau buildings, there is a variety of ceramic decorations in the residential building.
The palace residence, Palau Güell – Eusebi Güell commissioned the Park Güell to the famous architect Gaudí between 1886 and 1888. It was to be the residence of the Güell family. Eusebi Güell was an industrial tycoon as well as one of the most important clients of Gaudi. What is notable about Palau Güell is the use of the parabolic arch entrance and the placement of mosaic figures on the roof.
A modernistic building, Casa Milá – Casa Milá is also known as the stone quarry because of its unusual appearance and has been recognized as World Heritage. The building looks like a sculpture because of the forged iron balconies and those undulating stones in a harmonious mass within the façade of the building.
A place of worship, Colonia Güell – Another commissioned project from Eusebi Güell, Colonia Gü is an irregular oval church that was designed as a place of worship near Barcelona suburbs. The archaic appearance of the crypt is because of the use of basaltic bricks with mosaics. The building gets a stronger ornamental appearance because of the stained-glass windows.
El Drac de Gaudí at Finca Güell – Another notable property of Eusebi Güell is El Drac de Gaudí at Finca Güell. The building is more interesting and remarkable because of the iron gate at its entrance that is shaped like a menacing dragon with bat-like wings. The wall of the building carries several gates in a Mudejar-like style.
Unusual Gaudí’s style in Casa Calvet – Casa Calvet, which was built between 1898 and 1900 is looked upon as the most conventional of Gaudí’s works. Located in the elegant parts of Barcelona, the building is squeezed in between older structures. The stone façade, sculptural decoration, bay windows, and interior decorations reflect Baroque influences. What makes it a bit unusual for Gaudí’s style are the balance and orderly rhythm.
A garden complex, Parc Güell – Commissioned by one of the major clients of Gaudí, Parc Güell was made between 1900 and 1914. It is one of the top architectural delights in Barcelona. The garden complex is part of the UNESCO World Heritage today and comprises of dynamically designed buildings in series. One can observe the personal style of Gaudí expressed in those organic shapes.
The irregular building, Casa Batlló– Casa Batlló is a renovation of an old conventional house and shows the typical constructive elements used by Gaudi. There is ample use of ceramics, stone, and forged iron. One will find very few straight lines in the building, and this is what makes it so irregular. Most of the façade is covered with broken ceramic tiles and colorful mosaic.
Gaudí’s masterpiece, La Sagrada Familia – Another of the most famous example of Gaudí’s architecture is Sagrada Familia. The church construction that began in 1892 is still going on and not expected to get over before 2026. Gaudí transformed the typical cathedral with his own design language and unique geometric style. The construction of the building has been slow after Gaudí’s death.
