Antoni Gaudi created the image of Barcelona that we know and love today, turning the idea of architecture on its head in his days. The main attractions of the capital of Catalonia are entirely his handiwork.
Interesting facts
- They say that as a child, an architect could not play active games with his age-mates, because he suffered from rheumatoid arthritis. All his free time Gaudi spent walking alone in the countryside, and this became the reason for his interest in botany. And it is true that in his works Gaudi always mentions nature - often in a manner that captures your imagination.
- When he was 17, Gaudi went to Barcelona to study architecture. On the day of the university graduation, the head of the faculty characterized his "uneasy" student with these words: "Gentlemen, we are in the same society with either genius or a madman!"
- Gaudi had his own quirks and oddnesses. For example, he extremely didn’t like to use public transport, and even in old age tried to overcome all distances on foot.
- The architect also suffered from myopia and farsightedness at the same time, because of different eyes, but he strongly refused to wear glasses.
- There was a time, when simple chicken egg was the ideal of perfection for Gaudi - he even had a couple of raw eggs in his pocket.
- Gaudi died at the age of 73. It was unhappy accident, he was hit by a tram, that had just started to run in Barcelona. Unfortunately, he wasn’t instantly recognized as a famous person and was mistakenly taken to a hospital for beggars, where he died.
The most famous Gaudi buildings in Barcelona
Sagrada Familia
Not everyone knows that this project was started by another architect, and Gaudi joined the work on it a little later. Gaudi considered Sagrada to be the main work of his life and devoted to this piece of art 42 years!
Casa Milà, La Pedrera
Just imagine, in this house there are no partitions and supporting walls - Gaudi wanted to make it possible at any time to do redevelopment. Therefore, the entire building is based on a solid structure with supporting columns.
Palau Guell
Unfortunately, curious passers-by are not able to see the Güell Palace entirely, since the street on which it is located is very densely built up. But walking even away from this building, it is immediately recognized by the colorful towers-chimneys of unusual shapes.
Casa Batlló
Looking at the Casa Batlló it seems that its facade is finished with dragon scales, the balcony partitions are made of giant bones, and the roof resembles a multi-colored ridge. Straight lines almost are not used in the construction of this quaint building.
Park Güell
Initially, this place was planned as a green cottage village, but only 2 houses were built here – and Gaudi bought one of them. In addition to lush greenery, visitors are surrounded by bright mosaic ornaments, incredible entrance pavilions, statues from the fantasy world, benches and columns.
Casa Vicens
Not many tourists know about another attraction from Gaudi - Casa Vicens. By the way, this object was the very first work of a young architect. For a long time this building was on restoration and nobody was allowed there.
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