La Sagrada Familia
Address: Carrer de Mallorca
Park Guell
Address: off Carrer d'Olot
Casa Batlló
Address: 3 A, Passeig de Gràcia
Casa Milà
Address: 261-265 Provença
Cascada Fountain
Address: Passeig de Picasso, 21
By Ingy Sedky
When I first visited Barcelona, the first to Spain as well, my mind was swinging between Picasso's master pieces, the sunny beaches of the Mediterranean and flamenco music and dances. Forget about these, because you will be caught by one thing when visiting the Capital of Catalonia: Gaudi. Even if you don't know who is Gaudi (like I didn't before visiting Barcelona), or even if you have no interest whatsoever in architecture, that won't last for long. Gaudi's imprints are all over the city and it's completely different from any architectural style you have ever came cross during your travels. Modern, shocking, unconventional and mesmerizing, this is what Gaudi all about. An unusual sense of creativity that will continue to amaze you that you will not stop chasing Gaudi all over Barcelona. To save your time, here's a list of where to find him master pieces, most of them feature on the UNESCO World Heritage List. La Sagrada FamiliaThe most famous of them all, the Sagrada Familia is a church and complex which construction started in 1833 and still ongoing till today. The construction was delayed for different reasons, including Gaudi's death and the Spanish civil war. It is expected to be completed in 2026, on Gaudi's centenary. Unlike any other church you might have encountered, from the outside the Sagrada Familia is full of diverse geometrical shapes, colorful ornaments, a mix of bricks, concrete and ceramics, with decoration so much linked to nature (something that distinguishes Gaudi's design), like flowers, fruits snails and even lizards. When I visited in 2010, the church was closed, but if you are lucky and it reopened don't miss the chance to visit the stunning interior. Address: Carrer de Mallorca Park GuellThe second most famous work of Gaudi, the public park is located on a hill and built in the beginning of the 20th century. Inspired by organic shapes found in nature, the wall of the park is made of rustic stone topped with colorful ceramic tiling. At the entrance you will find the dragon stairway with a salamander covered with decorative tile-shard mosaic. The park is full of small houses (casas), cave-like areas, and at the top the Greek Theatre, an open-air area where cultural shows take place and from which you will enjoy a magnificent panoramic view over Barcelona. Address: off Carrer d'Olot Casa BatllóA building in the center of Barcelona that was remodeled by Gaudi, adding his unique style of colorful ceramic mosaic, with irregular oval windows and terraces that look much like skeletons or bones. The roof top of the building is a blue and violet reproduction of a dragon scales. A must visit masterpiece! Address: 3 A, Passeig de Gràcia Casa MilàAlso known as La Pedrera, Casa Milà might not be as beautiful as Casa Batlló but still worth visiting. The building was originally commissioned for a married couple. Just like the previous monuments designed by Gaudi, Casa Milà is also inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List, for its exceptional universal value. The building can be visited from inside, where they organize cultural events. This summer they have the Nights of Duende at Casa Milà, what could be more hypnotizing than enjoying Flamenco music in a Gaudi masterpiece! Address: 261-265 Provença Cascada FountainThis might not be the typical Gaudi style that you have known, since the Cascada Fountain was originally designed by Josep Fontsére, assisted by Gaudi who was still a young unknown architect at the time. Located inside one of the biggest and greenest parks in Barcelona, the Parc de la Ciutadella, the Cascada Fountain is so much inspired by the Trevi Fountain in Rome. Still, Gaudi has added is special naturalistic touch, as the water basin in front of fountain is guarded by winged dragons, which could be found in many of his works. Two giant crab pincers act as stairs to a podium in the monument’s centre, where there is a sculpture of Venus inside an open clam. Address: Passeig de Picasso, 21 By Ingy Sedky
1 Comment
28/12/2016 12:13:40
Beautiful text and images! Thank you!
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Hi, I'm IngyI am a part time traveler from Egypt, and I travel mainly to collect Hats :) I have visited more than 30 countries and around 50 different cities. I am sharing interesting cultural stories, photos, travel tips and itineraries of places I visited that could help you plan your next trip.
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