Gaudi in which city? Antonio Gaudi and his famous houses. Expression of Gaudí's style in the architecture of Park Guella

The unusual architecture of Antoni Gaudi is the decoration of Barcelona. In the capital of Catalonia, 14 buildings of the master of modernism have been preserved: Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, houses, small architectural forms. All Gaudi's masterpieces in Barcelona with a map and description. Addresses, opening hours, ticket prices, what to see for free and how to avoid standing in lines.

Before you go to see Gaudi's works, plan your time and calculate your budget. Barcelona's attractions are some of the most popular and expensive in Europe. The queue for the Sagrada Familia can take 2 hours, and a ticket to Casa Batllo costs €23.50.

What to do? Choose only the most interesting places with paid entrance and book your tickets online. In many cases, you can limit yourself to an external inspection or visit the free part.

Barcelona transport and discount cards

Casa Batlló

A special feature of Casa Batllo is the almost complete absence of straight lines. The facade of the building depicts the sparkling scales of a monster with the bones and skulls of its victims.

• address: Passeig de Gracia 43
• opening hours: Mon-Sun 9:00-21:00
• tickets: €23.50/€20.50
• 20% discount with Barcelona City Pass

Casa Milà, La Pedrera

Gaudí's last secular work, an example of Catalan modernism. The panoramic roof terrace is decorated with sculptures of mythological creatures that serve as a practical ventilation function.

• address: Carrer de Provenca 261
• opening hours:
  • from March 3 to November 1 Mon-Sun 9:00-20:30
  • from November 2 Mon-Sun 9:00-18:30
• tickets: €22/€16.50/€11
• Casa Mila at night - night tour, projections in the rooms, audiovisual show on the roof terrace, glass of champagne.
• 20% discount with Barcelona City Pass

Online tickets without queues

Casa Vicens

Built in the Mudejar style with ceramic finishing and a parabolic arch. Gaudí's first major order from manufacturer Manuel Vicens. Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List (2005). For a long time it was privately owned and opened to the public in November 2017.

• address: Carrer de les Carolines 24
• opening hours:
  • Mon-Sun 10:00-18:00
• tickets: €16/€14

The architectural creations of the extraordinary Gaudi delight the whole world with their magnificence. The 14 buildings that remain in the Catalan capital were created at the beginning of the 20th century by the great master of modernism. Its incredible and almost mystical houses are now part of the UNESCO International Heritage Site.

The architect was born on June 25, 1852. For the Gaudi y Serra family, this was already the fifth child. After high school in Barcelona and architectural preparatory courses, Antonio entered the Provincial School of Architecture in 1873. While studying at this school, he simultaneously worked as a draftsman, first for the architect Fonsere, and then for Francisco Villar.

With the latter, Gaudí designed the apse of the monastery church of Montserrat. After studying at the school of architecture, young Antonio worked on the drawings of the first gas lamps. This was an order from the Barcelona City Hall. In the 1870s, Gaudí still worked a lot on similar orders.

Among them were:

• parts of church buildings;
• store facades;
• pavilions.

An important turn in the fate of the Spanish architect was the completed project of a presentation showcase for the Paris World Exhibition.

Gaudí's first famous creations appeared in the 1880s:

• pavilions of the Güell estates;
• El Capriccio;
• Vicens house.

Acquaintance with Güell brought Gaudi into high society. Later he rebuilt many houses for important people. And in 1890, work began on the project for Park Güell.

From 1898 to 1912 In the Eixample, according to the architect’s idea, the symbols of Barcelona grew:

• Calvet house;
• Mila's house;
• Casa Batllo.

The Sagrada Familia, begun by Gaudi, was completed after his death, in 1954. In 1926, the founder of a special type of Catalan Art Nouveau was hit by a tram. After which Gaudi lay unconscious for 3 days in a hospital for the poor and died. The architect was buried in the crypt of his unfinished brainchild, the Sagrada de Familia.

Style

Antonio Gaudi with his creativity is related to modernism. But this is only a generally accepted classification of his style. The ingenious, almost crazy ideas of the Barcelona architect never followed any framework or restrictions. The Art Nouveau style, which appeared thanks to Gaudi, has always had its own laws and rules.

All 18 buildings of the talented architect are different from each other.

They look more like natural objects and animals. And all because Gaudi never recognized strict geometric shapes and straight lines. All of his houses have streamlined outlines with a huge amount of curvature. The architect drew inspiration from nature itself.

The origins of his creativity were:

• folk art;
• Spanish Baroque;
• Moorish style;
• Catalan Gothic.

Gaudí's architecture is largely decorative.

It is decorated:

• forged gratings;
• tile glaze;
• sculptures;
• bright ornament.

The Catalan master calmly combines exoticism with European modernity. Gaudí's rather colorful style strongly resembles eclecticism. Natural forms inspired the architect to create his own unique plastic creations. The facades of some of its houses look like a rippling sea, and the roofs look like dragon backs.

Natural allusions are also inherent in Gaudi’s interiors:

• a staircase with railings reminiscent of the skeleton of the fantastic creature in Casa Batlló;
• vaults in the form of stalactites;
• spider lattice.

The Spanish master devoted all his creativity to his own free imaginations. His passion has always been medieval Gothic. He remained faithful to her until his death.

Fountain in Plaza Catalunya

Gaudi (the architect and his houses are known throughout the world) designed not only buildings, but also other significant objects. One of them is the fountain in Plaza Catalunya, which at the same time represents triumphal arch and a cascading waterfall.

The very first creation of the talented Spanish architect is located on the main parade ground of Barcelona.

You can get to the fountain by bus or metro. Visiting the attraction is free and free. Anyone who finds themselves in the Catalan square can admire the monumental fountain.

Mataronin Workers' Cooperative

The architecture of this object is designed in the style of Pompeian painting. Gaudi worked on the work complex in Mataro for almost 4 years. In 1878, the architect received an order to create a cooperative with a gambling house and other buildings. But in the end, only a few office buildings and a factory saw the light of day.

Currently, the open working complex is used as an exhibition site, where people visit to get acquainted with the initial period of Gaudi’s work.

Co-op duration:

• July 15 – September 15 from 6 to 9 pm, all working days except Monday;
• in other seasons - Tuesday - Saturday, from 5 to 8 in the afternoon;
• from 11 am to 2 pm on Sunday. Monday is a day off.

Visiting the Mataronin cooperative is free. Location: Mataro, st. Cooperative, 47.

Directions to the attraction:

• by car along north coast more than 30 minutes;
• by bus or train from Barcelona.

House of Vicens

The order for the facility came in 1883 from a Catalan industrialist producing tile ceramics and bricks. The Vicens residence has the shape of a regular quadrangle with simple structures. Gaudi decorated his first masterpiece with images of flowers and birds.

Now the Vicens house is the property of an Andorran bank and is open to the public every day from 10 am to 8 pm. The facility is closed on December 25, as well as on January 1 and 7. They get to the building along the street. Carolinas, 20-26 by metro.

Ticket prices for Casa Vicens:

• children under 7 years old – free;
• for seniors from 65 and students up to 25, as well as children under 14 years old - 14 euros;
• for adults – 16 euros.

El Capriccio

An unusual palace for a distant relative of the architect Guell, it also belongs to the early modernist work of Gaudí. Here, Catalan architecture already coexists with Moorish motifs. Added minor functional decorations in the form of huge columns with capitals and a long minaret tower.

El Capriccio is painted with multi-colored paints. Its base is decorated with yellow-gray rustic granite, and the façade is lined with majolica tiles and bright bricks. In the garden of El Capriccio there is a monument to A. Gaudi, who sits in front of his masterpiece and admires it. Since 1985, the mansion has been converted into a restaurant. It served in this capacity until 2009. Now excursions for tourists are held here.

El Capriccio location address: Camillas, st. Barrio Sobrellano. They get there from Barcelona, ​​first by plane, and then by bus from Santader. Time to visit the mansion: from 10.30 to 17.30, break – 14.00-15.00. Entrance to the palace costs 5 euros.

Pavilion of the Güell estate

Within the domain of his friend Eusebio Güell, Gaudí built an entrance portal and several pavilions in 1884-1887:

• utility room for the gatekeeper;
• playpen under the roof;
• stable;
• observation decks.

The amazing creations at the Güell estate turned out to be practical and rational. In the asymmetrical work of the architect, clearly defined lines can be traced. Decorative elements here serve as supports for the walls. Fabulous Arabic patterns in this work are intertwined with cultural and historical traditions.

Currently, the Güell estate is deprived of a stable and a room for the gatekeeper, but the authorities are trying their best to restore the lost masterpieces. Because of this, entry to the property costs 6 euros. They get there by metro. Object location: av. Petralbes, 7.

Sagrada Familia

In 1882, Gaudi conceived the design of the Redemptive Holy Temple of Barcelona, ​​or rather, he came up with the idea after another architect. Sagrada Familia, like his houses at the initial stage of his creativity, was his first successful experience. The architect's grandiose construction is still not completed. The temple is represented by tall columns with capitals resembling tree branches.

After this work, the creator Gaudi finally began to be seriously recognized. Orders from rich people flowed to him like a river.

Since 1891, Gaudi became the chief architect for the construction of the Temple of the Atonement. The architect managed to fully return to work on the temple only in 1914. Gaudi was so immersed in work that he even forgot to take proper care of himself.

Inside and outside the cathedral is decorated with many striking details, which intertwine:

• oriental architecture;
• a little baroque;
• traditions of Christianity;
• medieval Gothic;
• European modern.

The magnificent Sagrada Familia is open to visitors:

• 9:00 – 18.00 in November – February;
• 9:00 – 18:00 in March;
• 9:00 – 20.00 in April – September;
• 9:00 – 19:00 in October;
• 9:00 – 14:00 December 25, 26 and January 1, 6.

Cost of visiting the temple:

Sagrada Familia address: Barcelona, ​​st. Del Mallorca, 401. Get there by metro.

Palace Guell

Since 1885, Gaudi began working on the ceremonial residence of his friend Güell. A serious order took 5 years to complete. The four-story palace with Venetian-style arches appeared in a relatively poor area. The façade of the building is made of gray marble slabs. The interior of the residence was complemented by 127 limestone columns.

The expensive and rather difficult project of the Güell Palace still had to be finalized for 2 years after completion of construction.

Today, all the furniture from the residence has been moved to the Gaudi Museum, and the palace houses a museum of performing arts. To the mansion located on the street. Neu de la Rambla, arrive by bus or metro.

St Teresa's College

Behind the Güell residence is a strict and modest convent school. Gaudi had to complete the construction of this building in conditions of severe financial constraints. The architect created the top floor of an already existing college. He masterfully transformed the rough school into a more elegant building, softening it with brick crenellations. Gaudi surrounded the entire perimeter of the roof with these elements. Green metro line 3 leads to Teresian College at 85 Gandukser Street and bus routes

. Access is open for tourists on weekends from 15 to 8 pm.

Episcopal Palace in Astorga cathedral in Barcelona, ​​made in neo-Gothic style. The architect began working on it in 1887. The Bishop's Palace has fortified towers with curves.

The portal of the building is convex, and the entrance arch is flat. The refectory on the 2nd floor is truly Gothic. The interior is decorated with sgraffito ornaments made of granite and majolica tiles.

The valuable chapel of the palace is lavishly decorated:

• stained glass;
• frescoes;
• statues of saints.

The religious building never became an episcopal residence. During civil war it served as barracks and Spanish headquarters, and now the palace houses a museum named after St. James for pilgrims. The architectural object is located in Astorga on Eduardo de Castro Square. The road leads to it from Leon. Ticket price – 2.5 euros; visiting hours: from 10 am to 7 pm.

House Botines

The Art Nouveau building of the Casa de los Botines in León began to be built according to Gaudi's design in 1892. Construction continued until 1983. The architect began working with Botines immediately after the completion of the episcopal palace in Astorga. The house is completely designed in a medieval style with rare inclusions of neo-Gothic.

He has:

• attic;
• base;
• 4 floors;
• stone statue of St. George piercing the dragon above the entrance.

The facade of the square building faces San Marcelo Square. There was a textile warehouse in the basement; on the 1st floor there is a store with offices; 2 – private apartments; 3 and 4 – rented apartments.

The attic of Botines' house is covered with a hipped roof with tiles.

Decorative elements on the light monochrome building include lancet windows with stained glass and elongated towers in the corners. They get to Botines' house in Leon at 5 Marcelo Square by bus or train.

Güell Wine Cellar

Another Gaudí masterpiece, unlike his other brilliant creations.

The cellar is typical of the style of the Spanish architect:

• metal gates attached on one side to the stone side of the structure;
• window openings;
• arched vaults;
• original roof.

Entrance to the complex with Güell wine cellars costs 9 euros. They get there by train, going to the Garaff stop.

House Calvet

In 1900, a neo-baroque building designed by Gaudí appeared on Casp Street in Barcelona for the widow of a local rich man. In the same year, the Calvet house was recognized as the best building. The first floor of the mansion has relief arches and granite pillars inside. Leading upstairs are a staircase trimmed with blue tiles and an iron elevator, wooden inside.

They get to Kasp Street, 48, where the Calvet house is located, by metro or local buses. The building is only accessible from the outside. Ordinary people now live inside.

Colony Güell Crypt

Gaudi (the architect and his houses are phenomena for all times and peoples) in 1908 began construction of a church for his friend Güell. They began to build a crypt where the de la Torre mansion was once destroyed. After Güell's death in 1918, the unfinished but consecrated building was mothballed.

The Gaudi Church (the second name of the crypt) now has a completely completed appearance, since it was completed in 1955.

It is decorated with multi-colored glass, and on the windows there are decorative needles from Guell factory machines. Stained glass windows with church motifs became the decoration of the crypt. You can visit the church for 7 euros from 10 am to 7 pm, getting there by bus 41 or 51 to the Santa Coloma de Servello station.

House Figueres

The building has a second name - Bellesguard. It is located on the mountain slope of Tibidabo. The Figueres mansion turned out to be elegant and medieval-looking gothic castle. Gaudi built it on the ruins of the old kingdom, which he turned into the vestibule of the main entrance to the house. The building is made of mountain stone.

For tourists, a mansion on the street. Bellesguard, 16 is open from 10 am to 7 pm in summer, and until 4 pm in winter. Entrance tickets cost 7 euros. Metro line 3 leads to Figueres's house.

Park Guell

Gaudi (the architect and his houses left an indelible and significant mark on Spanish culture and history) for his influential friend Eusebio in 1900 - 1914. created an amazing park complex. Its area occupies 17.2 hectares.

Particularly notable here are:

• mosaic salamander and snake medallion at the ceremonial gathering;
• hall with 100 columns;
• decorative park bench;
• Gaudi Park Museum;
• walking alley.

Park Güell is located near the Valcarça metro station.

Casa Batllo

Barcelona's Passeig de Garcia street is decorated with an extraordinary building named after. Batllo. The monumental House of Bones by the architect Gaudi has number 43. It is always surrounded by tourists who are eager to take photos next to the attraction.

The interior of Casa Batlló is decorated with a sun chandelier and unique staircase railings. Tickets to visit the mansion cost 22.5 euros. They get there by metro, line 3.

House Mila

Gaudi (the architect and his houses are recognized and recognized on all continents) is the designer of another famous residential monument, Casa Mila. The house became the last secular work of the architect before the Sagrada Familia Cathedral. The facade of the stone building is decorated with balconies with exclusive wrought iron grilles.

Inside, the Mila house is equipped with movable partitions and unique ventilation shafts. The roof of the building is dotted with unusual sculptures covering the chimneys. House Mila is also completely devoid of corners. Numerous windows make the phantasmogorical building very bright and open to the world.

The price for children's tickets to the Mila House is 10.3 euros, and for adults - 20.5 euros. You can arrive on the excursion by train or bus. The 3 green and 5 blue metro lines also lead to the attraction.

Sagrada Familia School

Gaudi built a parish school near the future main cathedral of Barcelona. It was built from tiles and bricks as quickly as it became famous. Behind the apparent laconicism were hidden the cunning and unique architectural solutions of the great master. The whimsical and at the same time functional school of the Sagrada Familia meets all church canons.

To the building on the street. Del Mallorca, 401 can be reached by metro lines 2 and 5. The houses of the famous Spanish architect became the first, undisguised milestones in the history of Barcelona. Gaudi and his architecture passed on to their descendants all the secrets and mysteries of the style of the early 20th century.

Article format: Lozinsky Oleg

Video about the architect Gaudi

Heritage of Humanity. Antonio Gaudi:

Barcelona is a city of eternal smiles, sun and unique architecture. The sights of Antoni Gaudi are a separate chapter in the endless list of must-see places in the capital of Catalonia, and we will introduce them in our article.

The famous Catalan architect Antonio Placide Guillem Gaudí i Cornet was born in 1852 in the family of a blacksmith in small town Reus, Catalonia. Continuing the family business, the father of the future architect made a living in forging and chasing copper, and from an early age instilled in his son a sense of beauty, drawing and depicting buildings with him.

Antonio grew up as a smart boy who succeeded in school without much effort. His favorite subject was geometry. Even during his school years, the young man began to think about his purpose and felt that his life would be somehow connected with art. One day, during a school play, Antonio tried himself as a theater artist and it was then that he realized what he wanted to devote his life to - “painting on stone,” which in subsequent generations would be described as Gaudí’s architecture.

After graduating from school, Gaudi went to a city that is now impossible to imagine without the creations of the Catalan genius - Barcelona.

Having entered an architectural bureau here as an entry-level position, the young man does not give up his dream of one day starting work on his own project and building his own building.

After four years of living and working in the capital of Catalonia, Gaudí finally entered the Provincial School of Architecture, where he took up his studies with desperate zeal. Already from the first year, teachers noted Antonio, noticing both his talent and his amazing stubbornness, unconventional vision and audacity. Even the rector of the educational institution speaks about these qualities when presenting the 26-year-old Gaudi with an architect’s diploma.

Already in his final years, the ambitious Catalan worked on serious projects and did not give up his work until the end of his life. In the summer of 1926 in Barcelona, ​​the famous architect was hit by a tram on his way to church. Mistaking the artist for a homeless man, witnesses to the incident sent him to a hospital for the poor. Only a day later the exhausted old man was recognized as a famous architect, but his condition at that time worsened, and he soon died.

Style

From the moment he graduated from the school of architecture, Antonio's artistic search began. At first, he turns to the neo-Gothic style, which was then popular in the south of Europe, then changes course to more intimate modernism, “pseudo-baroque” and gothic. Almost all of Antoni Gaudí's attractions, and there are 17 of them, are located in Catalonia.

Subsequently, each of these directions will leave its mark on Gaudí’s work. However, it is impossible to characterize Gaudi’s style with just one movement: from the artist’s first independent buildings, it becomes clear that their creator is a man outside the rules and time. The concept of “Gaudi decor”, whose style is recognizable always and everywhere, has forever been assigned to him.

Smooth lines and unusual construction of space can be conditionally attributed to modernism, which is either approaching or moving away from neo-Gothic.

The buildings

Fountain in Plaza Catalunya – Fuente en la Plaza de Cataluña

(Catalan name -Font a la Plaça de Catalunya)

Antonio's first independent work is the fountain on central square Barcelona - Plaza Catalunya, designed and built in 1877. Now every guest of the capital of Catalonia can admire it when they come to main square cities.

Free admission.

Address: Plaza de Catalunya.

How to get there: by metro, the nearest stations are Catalunya and Passeig de Gracia.

Mataronin Workers' Cooperative

(Spanish and Catalan names are identical: Cooperativa Obrera Mataronense)

The first building Gaudí built independently is located near Barcelona, ​​in the city of Mataro. The aspiring architect received the order to design the cooperative in 1878, and worked on it for about four years. Initially, the complex was planned to include residential buildings, a casino and other ancillary buildings, but ultimately only the factory and service buildings were completed.

Now access to the building is open, and everyone can look at it, but it can only be of interest to true fans and researchers of the architect’s history. After all, the cooperative, although it inevitably reminds of its creator in every detail, does not represent such artistic value as the other buildings of the genius.

The building is now used as an exhibition space.

Opening hours:

• From July 15 to September 15 – from 18:00 to 21:00, closed on Mondays.

All other months:

Free admission.

Address: Mataro, Carrer Cooperativa 47.

How to get there:

• by train from Barcelona Stants station to Mataro station;
• by bus from stop Pl Tetuan to Rda. Alfons XII – Camí Ral (stops 3 minutes walk to the Workers' Cooperative);
• by car - drive along the coast to the north, the journey will take no more than half an hour.

House of Vicens

(Spanish and Catalan names are identical: Casa Vicens)

In 1883-1885, Gaudí designed a building that largely determined his fate. Manufacturer Manuel Vicens orders a project from an architect who has just received his diploma summer residence for your family. A young artist decides to build a building from rough stone and colorful ceramic tiles.

The building itself is an almost perfect quadrangle, but the simplicity of the form was transformed with the help of decorative elements. Facing the east, he decorates the building in the Mudejar style. Here he is helped by both colored tiles (which the customer of the house specializes in) and the bold decision to lay them out in a checkerboard pattern.

Attention to the smallest details and the desire to maintain his work in a single style were already identified as a distinctive feature of Antoni Gaudi.

In 2005, the building was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

It was after the construction of the House of Vicens that Antonio Gaudi was noticed by the philanthropist Eusebio Güell, who later became the main customer and patron of the young architect.

Private building, closed to the public until 2017. In October 2017, the house was opened for tours.

Address: Carrer de les Carolines, 22-24.

How to get there: by metro to Fontana station (L3).

El Capriccio

(Spanish and Catalan names are identical: Capricho de Gaudí)

The Catalan genius is building the next structure by order of the Marquis Masimo Diaz de Quixano, who was distantly related to the architect’s friend Guell. The quaint summer mansion was created in 1883-1885 in the town of Comillas and is still one of its main attractions. The building is now open to the public.

Opening hours: 10:30-17:30, with an hour break from 14:00 to 15:00.

Ticket price – 5 €.

Address: Comillas, Barrio Sobrellano.

How to get there: From Barcelona, ​​the fastest way is to fly to the city of Santander (SDR airport) and from there by bus to the city of Comillas (the Comilias stop is a five-minute walk from El Capriccio).

Pavilion of the Güell Manor – Pabellones Güell

(Catalan name -Pavellons Gü ell)

The first order Gaudí received directly from Güell was a project for a complex of two pavilions and gates, which were supposed to main entrance to the country estate of a tycoon. Initially, the complex also included a gatekeeper's house and stables, but they did not survive to this day.

The pavilion is located in Barcelona, ​​near the Palau Reial metro station on line L3, and you can visit it by purchasing a ticket for 6 €.

Address: 7, Av. Pedralbes.

How to get there: by metro to Palau Reial station (L3).

Sagrada Familia – Templo Expiatorio de la Sagrada Familia

(Catalan Name– Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia)

The beginning of the construction of the most famous long-term construction is considered to be March 19, 1882. It was then that the first stone was laid in the foundation of the Expiatory Temple of the Holy Family. The basilica began to be built under the leadership of the then famous Spanish architect Francisco del Villar. A year later, he left the project due to disagreements with the church council, and the young Gaudí was entrusted with continuing construction.

Antonio Gaudi devoted 42 years of his life to the construction of the Sagrada Familia, tirelessly improving the project, adding new details and gradually modifying the plan. The artist filled each new column, statue or part of the bas-relief with symbolism and sacred meaning, being a true Christian.

Its fundamental innovation was the 18 pointed towers, each of which had a special meaning. The central and highest among them (still unfinished) is dedicated to Christ.

The three facades of the building also carry a sacred meaning, which is expressed by sculptures and images on it. The main façade is dedicated to the Nativity, the other two are dedicated to the Passion of Christ and the Resurrection. According to the Spanish government, the construction of the temple will be completed approximately in 2026 (which is not certain), but now you should definitely visit the Sagrada Familia by Antoni Gaudi when you are in the capital of Catalonia.

The building is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can learn more about Gaudi’s brilliant creation in a separate article at the link.

Opening hours:

• November-February – 9:00-18:00;
• March and October – 9:00-19:00;
• from April to September – 9:00-20:00.

The price of the simplest entrance ticket– from 17 €.

Address: Carrer de Mallorca, 401.

How to get there: to Sagrada Familia metro station (L2 and L5).

Palace Güell – Palacio Güell

( Catalan name -Palau Gü ell)

The residential building, built by a Catalan master commissioned by Güell's friend and patron, became his only building in the Old Town of Barcelona. Antoni Gaudi took five years to build Palace Güell, and it was during this time that his personal style, which became recognizable throughout the world, was formed.

A non-standard approach to decorating the facade, turning to Byzantine motifs and statics Venetian palazzo– each line of the building loudly declares its creator.

The interiors of the palace are also worth a look: fancy fireplaces, wooden ceilings, bright stained glass windows and huge mirrors are definitely worth your time. Palace Güell is another building by Antoni Gaudi, included in the UNESCO list.

Opening hours:

• from April 1 to September 30 – 10:00-20:00;
• From October 1 to March 31 – 10:00-17:30;
• Mon and Sun are days off.

Free admission.

Address: Carrer Nou de la Rambla.

How to get there: by metro to Drassanes station (L3).

College of Saint Teresa – Colegio Teresiano de Barcelona

(Catalan Name – Col legi de les Teresianes)

In 1888, Antoni Gaudí began to continue the construction of the College of St. Teresa. It is still unknown which of the architects of that time started this project and why he did not continue it.

Working on the building turned out to be difficult for the architect, because he constantly had to coordinate his ideas with the client and work with rather “boring” material, trying not to dilute it with decorative elements. Constantly arguing with Ossie's father, who supervised the construction, the architect found justification for his decisions in biblical symbolism.

Thanks to Gaudi’s persistence and his categorical reluctance to adhere to absolute asceticism, the college building turned out to be restrained, but not without recognizable author’s features. The shape of the building was complicated, decorative arches were placed along the perimeter of the roof, and the facade was decorated with unique elements.

You can get inside the school during excursions, which are held on weekends from 15:00 to 20:00.

Address: Carrer de Ganduxer, 85.

How to get there: by bus 14, 16, 70, 72, 74 to the Tres Torres stop.

Bishop's Palace in Astrog

(isp. Palacio Episcopal de Astorga,cat. Palau Episcopal d'Astorga)

The bishop of Astroga (province of Leon), Jean Batista Grau i Vallespinosa, was well acquainted not only with the work of Antoni Gaudi, but also with the architect himself personally. It is no wonder that it was him who the priest ordered the design of his new residence. Focusing on the Gothic style characteristic of Leon, Gaudi created a small castle with narrow windows, towers and pointed roofs.

The building's unique porch and entrance portico with recessed arches are the architect's find. In order to create the impression of “elongation” and unreality, to dilute the usual Gothic style, the master decided to use solid elongated stone blocks in the installation.

At the moment, the palace is open to visitors, the ticket price is 2.5 €.

Address: Plaza de Eduardo Castro, Astroga.

How to get there: The easiest way from Barcelona is by train to Astroga station (the Palace is a 10-minute walk from the station).

House Botines

(Spanish: Casa Botines, cat.. Casa de los Botines)

Not far from Astroga, in Leon there is another attraction associated with the name of the Catalan master. The rich people of Leone, seeing the new residence of Bishop Astroga, decided that their new apartment building should be built by the same architect. The main customer was one of them, Joan Botines, founder of the commercial union.

The house, like the Jean Baptiste Palace, was designed with an eye to local color. Turning again to the Gothic style, Gaudi erects a rather restrained building with a small number of decorative elements.

Address: Leon, Plaza del Obispo Marcelo, 5.

How to get there:

• by train to Ponferrada station;
• by bus (from the station) to the Ponferrada stop (a five-minute walk from Casa Botines).

Güell Wine Cellar

(Spanish)Bodegas Guell,cat. Celler Guell)

In the suburbs of Barcelona there is another Gaudí building, commissioned by Eusebio Güell. The master worked on it in 1895-1898. The single complex included a wine cellar, a residential building and a gatekeeper's house. They are all united by a recognizable style, as well as a common idea of ​​​​building roofs - they resemble either tents or oriental pagodas, attracting all attention to themselves.

Entrance to the complex costs 9 €.

Address: El Celler Güell, Sitges.

How to get there: By train to Garaff station.

House Calvet

(Spanish and Catalan names are identical: Casa Calvet)

In 1898-1890, Gaudí was busy building an apartment building on Casp Street (Carrer de Casp) in Barcelona, ​​commissioned by the widow of a city rich man, who later became private residential building. In the style of the building, the maestro adhered to the neo-baroque style, abandoning medieval motifs. It was this creation of the architect that received the Barcelona Municipal Prize for the best building of the year in 1900.

The building can only be viewed from the outside.

Address: Carrer de Casp 48.

How to get there: by metro to Urquinaona station (L1, L4).

Colony Güell Crypt

(Spanish and Catalan names are identical:Cripta de la Colò nia Gü ell)

Gaudi began building another church in the suburbs of Barcelona in 1898 as part of a project to build a colony - a small complex provided with everything necessary for the life of a micro-society.

Due to the protracted construction process, the architect was able to build only the crypt, and all other parts of the project remained unfulfilled.

The building is lined with multi-colored glass, and its windows are decorated with needles from the looms of the Guell factory. The building is decorated with bright stained glass windows dedicated to church motifs.

The crypt is open from 10:00 to 19:00, tickets cost from 7 €. The attraction is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Address: Colonia Guell S.A., Santa Coloma de Cervello.

How to get there: Take buses N41 and N51 to the Santa Coloma de Cervello stop.

House Figueres

(Spanish and Catalan names are identical: Casa Figueras)

One of the most recognizable houses of Antoni Gaudi is located on Bellesguard Street and is often named after it. The architect worked for three years only on the design of the house, which was commissioned by the widow of a wealthy merchant Maria Sages in 1900, and its construction continued until 1916.

Forming the style of the building, Gaudi returns to oriental motifs and combines it with neo-Gothic. As a result, he gets a very light structure, soaring into the sky, decorated with intricate stone mosaics and graceful broken lines.

Casa Figueras is open to the public from 10:00 to 19:00 in summer and until 16:00 in winter. Ticket costs from 7 €.

Address: Carrer de Bellesguard, 16.

How to get there: by metro to Vallcarca station (L3).

Park Guell

(Spanish: Parque Güell, cat. Parc Güell)

A huge park with an area of ​​17.18 hectares, Parque Gaudi Barcelona was built in the upper part of Barcelona in the years 1900-1914. Together with the customer Güell, they conceived a recreational space, a “garden city,” that was fashionable at that time among the British. The designated area for the park was divided into 62 plots for the construction of mansions.

It was never possible to sell them to wealthy Catalans, so they began to develop the territory as an ordinary park, and then sold it to local authorities.

Nowadays the house-museum of Antoni Gaudi is located here (his mansion was one of three purchased in the park). Besides it, there is a lot to see in the park: the famous mosaic sculptures, the Hall of a Hundred Columns and, of course, the curved bench and the famous Gaudí tiles with which it is lined.

A ticket for an adult visitor costs from 22.5 €.

Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 43.

How to get there: by metro to Passeig de Gràcia station (L3).

House Mila

(Spanish and Catalan names are identical: Casa Milà)

The famous Casa Mila has long become almost the same symbol of Barcelona as the Sagrada Familia. This is the last “secular” work of the architect. After its completion, he finally plunged into the construction of the Church of the Holy Family, sometimes mistakenly called the CATHEDRAL. Gaudi, again, gravitating towards smooth and curved lines, creates an amazing and memorable facade.

By the way, the residents of Barcelona did not like it right away, and for its heavy appearance the building was nicknamed the Quarry. However, this did not prevent Casa Mila from becoming the first building of the 20th century to be included in the UNESCO List.

The fact is that Gaudi, acting in accordance with his principles, thought through the smallest details, not only decorative, but also functional. In Casa Mila, Antonio Gaudi thought out the ventilation in the rooms in such a way that to this day it does not require air conditioning. And the owners can move the interior partitions in each apartment at their discretion.

And, of course, the main innovation of that time was the underground parking, also designed by the famous architect.

Casa Mila has been on the World Heritage List since 2005.

Address: Provença, 261-265.

How to get there: by metro to Diagonal station (L3, L5).

Buy skip-the-line tickets to Casa Mila with an audio guide.

Sagrada Familia School

(Spanish: Escuelas de la Sagrada Familia, cat. Escoles de la Sagrada Familia)

Built as part of the Sagrada Familia complex, the school amazes with its simplicity and elegance at the same time. This is probably one of the most inconspicuous attractions of Antoni Gaudi at first glance. Its design amazingly harmoniously combines beauty and functionality.

Thus, a fancy roof not only serves as decoration, but also drains rainwater without leaving a trace. In addition, the building fully complies with church requirements.

A few years after the construction of the school was completed, Gaudi himself moved here to live in order to be as close as possible to the main work of his life - the Cathedral of the Sagrada Familia.

Address: Carrer de Mallorca, 401.

How to get there: by metro to Sagrada Familia station (L2 and L5).

The Spanish architect Gaudi and his houses, which have become iconic in world architecture, turned the capital of Spain, Barcelona, ​​into an architectural pearl. In what style did a unique, gifted person work, who additionally combined an artist, a sculptor and a builder? What is the secret of his creativity? What is the fate of a genius?

Gaudi - style in the service of tradition

The Catalan architect, born on June 25, 1852, through his work expressed the cultural characteristics of his homeland through the fusion of architectural styles and traditions. It does not fit into any architectural movement. His work is unique and completely different from generally accepted concepts. And the power of the aesthetic experience of Gaudi’s creations only becomes greater over time.

There is not a single straight line in its structures. Architectural forms flow from one to another. He modestly built according to the laws of Nature and did not strive to surpass it.

What is the originality of Gaudi's style?

In 1878, the director of the Barcelona School of Architecture, Elies Rogent, said of Antonio at his graduation ceremony: “We have given this academic title to either a blockhead or a genius. Time will show". At first, Gaudi participated in competitions without success, studied crafts, designed fences, lanterns, and furniture.

“Nothing is invented, everything originally exists in nature. Originality is a return to the roots,” the master said about his works. The hallmark of Gaudí's style was the expression of natural forms in architecture.

Gaudi's style is

• the world of uneven surfaces such as we see in nature;
• design solutions proposed by nature;
• decorativeness that exists in nature;
• continuation of the space created by nature.

Five years after graduating from the School of Architecture in Barcelona, ​​he received his first important commission from the owner of a ceramic factory, Manuel Vicens.

Bad luck - the beginning: the house of ceramics tycoon Vicens

Casa Vicens (1883-1888) is a residential building for the owner of a ceramic factory, which is clearly reflected in the facade "trencadis" (i.e. the use of ceramic waste). Gaudi decorated the facade of the house with a mosaic of pieces of tiles, which was completely unusual in the use of building materials.

At this time, in Europe there was an interest in the neo-Gothic style with the motto “Decorativeness is the beginning of architecture.” Gaudi also adhered to this rule in his works. His work at the time was reminiscent of the Moorish (or Mudejar) style of architecture, a unique blend of Muslim and Christian design in Spain.

A private house opens its doors to visitors once a year, on May 22. Everyone can appreciate the detailed design of the building, from the mosaics of the exterior to the stained glass windows and wall paintings.

Incredible luck and Gaudí's only unrequited love

In 1878, Antoni Gaudí decided to display his work at the Paris World Exhibition. His work impressed the richest man in Catalonia, esthete and philanthropist, Eusebi Güell. He provided Antonio with what every creator dreams of: complete freedom of expression with an unlimited budget!

Gaudi carries out projects for the family

• pavilions of the estate in Pedralbes near Barcelona;
• wine cellars in Garraf,
• chapels and crypt of the Colony Güell (Santa Coloma de Cervelho);
• the fantastic Park Guella and its palace in Barcelona.

This was the best and at the same time sad period in the personal life of the architect. The only girl who turned out to be worthy of his attention, Josepha Moreu, did not reciprocate his feelings. Having accepted his fate, Gaudi devoted himself entirely to creativity and religion.

Royal garden in Gaudi style

Gaudí's first large-scale project for his great patron, Eusebi Güell, was the pavilions of the estate. Construction took place between 1883 and 1887. Landscape design of the park of the count's summer residence, which today has become a park Royal Palace, entrance gates, pavilions, stables bear the characteristic features of the early period of creativity.

The most interesting work in the complex turned out to be the northern cast-iron gate. They are decorated with floral motifs in the style, and a medallion with the letter “G”. An impressive feature is the large wrought iron dragon with glass eyes.

This is the same Ladon who turns into the constellation Serpen for stealing golden apples. Its figure corresponds to the location of the stars in the constellation.

Palace Güell (Palau Güell) (1885-1890)

The residence of the philanthropist's family became the architect's first building in which structural elements also serve a decorative function. Antonio uses steel supporting structures as decoration.

The façade of the building features two pairs of large gates through which horse-drawn carriages and carts could proceed directly to the lower stables and cellars, while guests could climb the stairs to the upper floors.

The soul of the creator is looking for new forms. From the outside, the house has a calm façade reminiscent of a Venetian palazzo. But the interior and roof make up for the lack of Gaudí style elements on the exterior.

In the central living room, an unusual parabolic dome is dotted with round holes that make the ceiling look starry during the day.

The silhouettes of chimneys and ventilation shafts opening onto the roof take on various fantastic shapes. The roof is reminiscent of Park Güell.

The rich interior of the palace combines works of decorative and applied art, intarsia (wood inlay) and custom-made furniture.

The design of the walls and flat vaults of the palace is unique. In 1984, Palace Güell, along with others architectural masterpieces Gaudí was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Expression of Gaudí's style in the architecture of Park Guella

In 1900 - 1914, Gaudí worked on creating a park residential area in the English style. To implement the concept of a garden city, fashionable in those years, Guell acquired 15 hectares of land for the construction of 62 private mansions. The project's economic failures forced his heirs to sell the park to the city. Now it houses Gaudi's house-museum.

For this site, Gaudí designed two magnificent entrance pavilions that serve as gates. A large ornamented staircase leads to the Hypostyle Hall, intended by the architect as a place for a market. The esplanade is surrounded by a long serpentine bench made of precast concrete blocks clad in ceramic mosaic.

Devoted to his principles, Gaudí used only local materials. He designed a system of streets and viaducts in such a way that their construction had minimal impact on environment. They were maximally adapted to the landscape.

This principle makes his architecture and some researchers of his work call Gaudi's style eco-modern.

Gaudi and his houses “From the Bones” and “Quarry”

Thanks to his inimitable style, Gaudi becomes the most fashionable architect in Barcelona. It turns into “unaffordable luxury”, creating houses one more unusual than the other. The Spanish bourgeoisie spend their fortunes on the implementation of the artist's brilliant ideas.

Gaudi's style is a reverently respectful relationship with the Creator, which was established in childhood. Rheumatism limited the boy from playing with his peers, but did not interfere with long solo walks on a donkey.

Observing the world around him, the architect drew inspiration to solve constructive or decorative architectural problems for clients. In his work, he used elements of a wide variety of styles, transforming them into a special direction called Spanish ( modernismo).

Why did the city authorities criticize the House of Bones?

The fruit of the architect's whimsical imagination - the residential building of textile magnate Josep Batlló (Casa Batlló) - became a living, trembling creature. Gaudí reconstructed an existing building in 1904-1906, awaiting demolition. He used typical structural elements of Catalan architecture: ceramics, stone and wrought iron.

Although the work was criticized by the city, in 1906 the Barcelona City Council recognized him as one of the three best buildings of the year.

Due to the radical design, Gaudí violated all city bylaws during construction. And not because he is a “prankster”, but because the author’s style went beyond the limiting boundaries of traditional architecture and urban planning. Those in power had to change the laws.

Which building was Gaudí's last secular work?

In 1906, another great loss occurred in the life of the architect: his father, a blacksmith and boilermaker, Francesc Gaudí i Sierra, died. According to Antonio, it was in his father’s workshop that he felt space as living matter. His father taught him to understand the beauty of the objective world and instilled in him a love of architecture and drawing.

This is not the first loss in the master’s life. Born as the fifth child in the family, this year he was left completely alone with his niece in his care, whom he buried 6 years later.

It was during this period that Antonio's new ideas were embodied in the house for the Mila family (casa Mila, 1906 - 1910). His innovation was as follows.

• He is thinking over a natural ventilation system, which makes it possible to avoid air conditioning.
• Builds a building without load-bearing and supporting walls (reinforced concrete structure with load-bearing columns). This makes it possible to move the interior partitions in each apartment at your discretion. Today this technology is popular among builders of monolithic frame houses.
• Sets up an underground garage.
• Every room in the house has a window, which is also unusual for the early 20th century. For this purpose, three courtyards are provided.

The undulating facade is a harmonious mass of all kinds of stone, which, along with the wrought iron balconies, was nicknamed “the quarry” or La Pedrera by Barcelona residents.

One of Gaudi's most interesting design solutions is the attic of the house. The room, once intended for washing and drying clothes, has now become the site of a permanent exhibition of Gaudí's work and life.

This building became the first structure of the twentieth century included in the UNESCO heritage (1984). And during construction, the customer and the builders paid more than one fine for violating generally accepted standards.

Casa Mila was the last secular work before the architect devoted himself entirely to the work of the Expiatory Temple of the Holy Family (Sagrada Familia). He no longer took on new orders, but worked on finishing current projects.

Colony Crypt of Guella

The word “colony” does not at all carry the meaning of “corrective labor.” What is this you can read at channel Zen Architecture.

Crypt, in in this case, refers to the lower floor of the church, which Gaudí began construction in 1908 and completed in 1914, commissioned by his friend and philanthropist Eusebi Güell. The architect was tasked with providing a cultural and religious basis for the life of the town of workers employed in the industrialist's production.

Following his principles, Gaudi organically integrated the church into the landscape of the area. For the interior, he designed amazing benches made of wood and iron, reflecting his roots as a hereditary blacksmith.

More details about the masterpiece Crypt of Colony Guell, if interested, read on the Zen Architecture channel.

The brilliance and poverty of the architect Gaudi

A dandy in his youth, a gourmet and theatergoer who traveled in his own carriage, in adulthood began to lead an ascetic lifestyle. On June 7, 1926, he, a 73-year-old man, dressed in a shabby suit and without documents, was hit by a tram. Not knowing that this was a great architect, the victim was taken to a hospital for the poor. The next day, the chaplain (Gaudi’s main creation, to which he dedicated more than 40 years) found him and transported him to another hospital. But the best doctors were powerless.

You will recognize the architecture of Antonio Gaudi, his houses in Barcelona, ​​which have become a world heritage of mankind, even if you are not at all familiar with his work. They continue to build and hope to complete it by 2026.

One of the greatest architects in the world and the most famous architect of Barcelona, ​​Gaudi could have died at birth. His mother’s birth was very difficult, and the midwife immediately gave up on the boy. To save the soul of the newborn, he was immediately baptized. Gaudí subsequently claimed that the fact that he survived was a miracle. And he believed that he had been chosen for a special purpose.

Childhood

Antonio Gaudi was born on June 25, 1852 in the small town of Reus, located in Catalonia. His father was the hereditary blacksmith Francesc Gaudi i Sierra, and his mother, after whom the boy was named, was Antonia Cornet i Bertrand. The child received his surname, as was customary in Spain, from both parents - Gaudi y Cornet.
The father taught the child to understand the beauty of the things around him, instilled in Gaudi a love for architecture and fine arts. From his mother he adopted faith in God and religiosity.
The boy grew up very sickly: he suffered from a severe form of arthritis, which caused severe pain from the simplest movements. He did not play outdoor games and rarely went for walks. It was difficult for him to walk, so he went for a walk on a donkey. But in mental development he was significantly ahead of many other children. Antonio was observant and liked to draw.
In 1863, he began studying at a school at a Franciscan monastery. In addition to Greek, poetry, rhetoric and Latin, he studied Christian doctrine, the history of religion and other religious disciplines, which influenced his way of thinking and creativity. Despite his intelligence, Antonio did poorly in school, and only geometry was easy for him.
Gaudi's family experienced many tragedies: his brother died in 1876. Following him, his mother also passed away. And 3 years later, the architect’s sister passed away, leaving her daughter in his care.

Studies

In 1868 Antonio moved to Barcelona. To pay for his education, he had to sell his father's lands. He became a student at the Higher School of Architecture only in 1874. Before this, Gaudi studied at the university at the Faculty of Exact Sciences, where he showed little diligence.
The school of architecture allowed more freedom for creativity and self-expression, and Gaudí soon became one of the best students. But his stubborn character and desire for protests often turned into low marks for him. The teachers decided that he was either a genius or crazy.
During his student years, the rheumatic pain in his legs finally disappeared, and Gaudí was able to walk normally. And this became one of his favorite activities.
Antonio completed his studies in 1878. And in 1906 he suffered another grief - the death of his father. Six years later, his niece followed him to the grave.

Carier start

From 1870 to 1882, Gaudí worked as a draftsman under the guidance of two architects, Francisco Villar and Emilio Sala. He learned crafts and entered competitions without success.
At first he carried out applied orders. The first official work of the architect Gaudi was lampposts in Plaza Reial.

These pillars were a candelabra of 6 arms mounted on a marble base. They are crowned with helmets of Mercury - a symbol of prosperity. This work was the first and last order of the city authorities, since the local municipality and Gaudí disagreed about his fee.
In 1877, the architect created his first major creation - fountain in Plaza Catalunya. And, starting from this time, he erected many unique buildings in the Art Nouveau style.

In 1883, Gaudí designs the first mansion. The wealthy manufacturer Manuel Vicens becomes his customer. It was necessary not only to build the house, but also to successfully fit it into the small space of the plot of land, frame it with a garden and at the same time create the illusion of space. The architect coped with this task brilliantly: turrets, bay windows, and balconies give the simple quadrangular building (cat. Casa Vicens) amazing volume.

In 1898 – 1900 is being built (cat. Casa Calvet). Unlike other Gaudi buildings, the house has a completely traditional appearance, and its facades are symmetrical. Its originality is given by alternating convex and flat balconies, as well as bobbins and columns in the form of coils - a tribute to the professional affiliation of the owner, who owned the textile industry. For the construction of this building, the architect was awarded the Barcelona Municipal Prize in 1900.
Gaudi rarely took into account the opinion of the customer. He was modest, but at the same time eccentric, and embodied all his fantasies in his works.

He was lucky to be born at a time when the Spanish bourgeoisie became rich and decided to show the whole world their triumph. Building a more elaborate house than the neighbor's was in a simple way prove your superiority. Therefore, architects with an original vision, and not always talented ones, were popular and had complete freedom of action.
During the same period, Gaudí erected buildings in the neo-Gothic style and in the spirit of the fortress, such as the one he started Bishop's Palace in the city of Astorga (cat. Palacio Episcopal de Astorga). The design of this building, located in Castilla, was entrusted to the architect in 1887 by the Bishop of Grau i Vallespinos, a Catalan by birth. Gaudi began to build a palace in the form medieval fortress, with a moat, four towers and battlements. This was a very daring decision for the clergyman's palace, but the bishop did not argue. The construction was interrupted by the sudden death of the customer in 1893, and the church council, dissatisfied with the excessive costs, entrusted the completion of the construction to another architect.

In addition to large-scale architectural works, Gaudi was involved in interior design and development of furniture sketches.

Fame

All the sights of Barcelona and other cities created by Antonio Gaudi are magnificent, but the works created after meeting Eusebio Güell brought him real popularity. He was a textile magnate, the richest Catalan, with creative flair and taste. And he became a friend and patron of the brilliant architect.
There are two versions of their friendship - one, they met at the World Exhibition in Paris in 1878, where Gaudi presented the project for the village of Mataro. However, this version is hardly plausible, since the models of the unknown architect could not attract the attention of the public.
According to another version, Guell noticed Antonio when he was decorating a Barcelona glove store. After receiving his diploma, the young man needed money and took on any job. When decorating the window, Gaudi did it impressively: from gloves strung on wire, he created entire scenes of city life: horses pulling carriages, people walking and cats, beloved by all Catalans.
Fascinated by the master’s work, Guell watched his work for a long time, and then asked the store owner to introduce him to Gaudi. Having learned that the young man was an architect, he invited him to visit him, where he received him warmly and cordially. After this, Gaudí became a frequent guest in Güell's house. He showed him new sketches of his buildings, and Eusebio always entrusted him with the construction of those that became a real masterpiece.
Many of the works of the architect Gaudí and his houses will survive centuries, but these are the ones that brought him fame and finally shaped his unique style.

Palace Güell (cat. Palao Guell).

This house, the construction of which journalists compared with the construction of the Tower of Babel, was built in 1885 - 1900. Guell did not limit the architect's funds for construction and interior design. Only the most luxurious materials were used in the interior decoration of this house: tortoiseshell, ivory, ebony and eucalyptus. And if in the interior the most interesting part was the hall with a sky dome, then in the exterior the most impressive thing is the roof with 18 chimneys in the form of fancy turrets.

Casa Mila (cat. Casa Mila)

Casa Mila or Casa Mila was created by Antonio Gaudi in 1906-1910. for the Mila family. At first, Barcelona residents did not appreciate this steep, curved building, and nicknamed it La Pedrera - the quarry. The roof is also decorated with turrets that look like knights in fancy helmets, one of which is inlaid with shards of green bottle glass.

Casa Batllo (cat. Casa Batllo)

Antoni Gaudi's Casa Batllo also known as Casa Batllo And House of Bones, was rebuilt by Gaudi in 1904 - 1906. In the building, transformed by a genius, there are practically no straight lines. Its facade obviously depicts a dragon - the image of Evil. And the skulls and bones visible in the balconies and columns are his victims. A tower with a cross - the sword of St. George, the patron saint of Catalonia - pierces the body of the dragon, symbolizing the victory of the forces of Light over Darkness.

Park Guell (cat. Parc Guell)

Park Güell in Barcelona was created between 1900 and 1914 and was a combination of residential areas and gardens. From a commercial point of view, this project was a failure because the Catalans did not want to live in the hills. But nowadays Park Güell is one of the brightest attractions of Barcelona. The central entrance to the park is decorated with two pavilions that look like huge gingerbread houses, and on the upper terrace there is a giant bench in the shape of a sea serpent. Gaudi chose this Park to live in and owned one of the houses.

(cat. Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia)

With the birth of Antonio Gaudi, the architecture of the whole world was enriched with many works, but the most outstanding was the Sagrada Familia. Gaudi began work on this cathedral in Barcelona in 1883, but did not have time to finish it. In this structure, as in many others, the architect reflected what he saw in living nature. A forest of columns with capitals in the form of branches, intertwining, create the arch of the building, and each tower and stained glass window tells its own biblical story.
According to Gaudi's plan, the cathedral was supposed to have 3 facades depicting the life of Christ (Birth, Passion and Resurrection). It was also planned to install 12 towers symbolizing the apostles, 4 higher towers dedicated to the evangelists, the tower of the Virgin Mary and the highest - 170 m, which was intended for Christ. The God-fearing Catalan did not want the temple to be higher than the Montjuic hill (171 m), because the mountain is the creation of God, and the building is man’s.

Gaudí's architecture was far ahead of its time. During the construction of the Temple, Antonio Gaudi based the columns, vaults and other details on complex three-dimensional shapes, which can now only be recreated using computer modeling. And the architect developed them only with the help of his imagination and intuition.

It is curious that the temple is being built exclusively on anonymous donations from parishioners. When this structure is completed (expected to happen by 2026), it will become the tallest church in the world.

Antonio Gaudi was extremely extravagant and stubborn. This is probably why quite funny incidents arose with him.
Despite the fact that Gaudí rarely had conflicts with male customers, disputes with their wives were not uncommon. The owner of the Batlo house was upset with the way the construction of their home was being carried out. She noticed that due to the oval shape of the room in the music salon, it would be impossible to place her daughter’s piano. Gaudi ignored tactfully made comments and left everything unchanged. The angry woman spoke sharply to the architect, but he, without embarrassment, said: the piano won’t fit, buy a violin.

Gaudí and his father were vegetarians and adherents clean water and fresh air. At the same time, Antonio, like a true Christian, showed moderation in food. For lunch, he, a rather large man, ate only lettuce leaves, dipped in milk, and a handful of nuts.
Gaudi loved Catalonia dearly and dreamed of enriching its culture. One day, the police mistook an unkemptly dressed architect for a tramp and stopped him. They asked him several questions in Castilian, but he answered them in Catalan. At this time, there was a fight against “Catalan nationalism”, and Gaudí was threatened with prison. Having finally realized that this was an architect who was already well-known at that time, they wanted to hush up the matter, but he continued to chat carefreely in native language. That's why he spent 4 hours in the police station.
Gaudi's construction costs were enormous. When the architect, in addition to the main bill, presented the Mila family with an invoice for overtime work, the couple refused to pay. The architect went to court, and the decision was made in his favor. The Mila family had to take out a mortgage on the house they built to pay the bill. Gaudi gave the money to one of the convents.
More scandalous things are also attributed to the architect: it is believed that for the scene of the beating of infants he made casts of stillborn children, and in order to accurately repeat the contours of the animals, he euthanized them with chloroform before applying plaster.

Personal life

The great architect Gaudi spent his entire life alone. In his youth, he dressed very flashily and attracted the attention of women. However, having learned about his profession, which at that time was considered akin to an artisan, they lost interest in him. Women were concerned about the well-being of the groom, and the work of an architect did not guarantee financial stability.
Antonio's first love was the beautiful Josepha Moreu, funny nicknamed Pepeta. In 1884, this wayward woman worked as a teacher at the Mataro cooperative school. Gaudí carried out orders for this enterprise and often visited Pepeta and her sister.
Pepeta gladly accepted the advances of the young, educated architect. Together they visited the Güell drawing room, where all the intellectuals of Barcelona gathered once a week. But at the same time, she kept the inexperienced gentleman at a distance. Finally, Antonio proposed to her. And he was taken aback: Pepeta announced that she was already engaged to a successful timber merchant.
Gaudi never proposed to another girl. Years later, he fell in love again with a woman, a young American. But their relationship ended when she returned to the States.

Death

Throughout his life, Gaudi loved to walk around Barcelona. But if in his youth he looked good and dressed elegantly, then in the middle of his life he stopped paying attention to his appearance and resembled a beggar.
On June 7, 1926, he left the house to take his usual walk to the temple of Sant Felip Neri. At this time he was already 73 years old, and the architect visited this church every day. While he was walking absentmindedly between the streets of Girona and Bailén, he was hit by a tram. Antonio lost consciousness.
The unkempt appearance of the tramp led people astray. The cab drivers did not want to take him to the medical department, fearing that they would not receive money. In the end, the great architect was taken to a hospital for the poor, where he received the most primitive care. Only on July 8th was he identified by the chaplain of the Sagrada Familia Cathedral, but any treatment was already useless.
On June 10, 1926, the genius died. They buried him in the crypt of the temple, which he did not have time to complete.