One of the most celebrated architects whose designs did not conform to conventions but stood out on their ground as something truly independent and distinctive. Antoni Gaudi’s architectural style was full of life, colour, and imagery, and he used a harmonious blend of elements derived from nature. His most renowned works are in the culturally rich city of Barcelona, and he is also known for being a leader in bringing Art Nouveau style to the city.
1. La Sagrada Familia
It is sacrilege to start a list of Antoni Gaudi’s famous work without mentioning this basilica first. It is a symbol of Barcelona, which is so intricate and detailed that it still hasn’t been completed for 100 years. An ode to nature in its purest form, this structure is devoid of any straight lines, and its inside facade resembles a dense forest with sunlight seeping through its trenches. The stained glass window, biblical sculptures on the outside facade, and use of animal motifs are some of the examples that make La Sagrada Familia truly exceptional and extraordinary.
2. La Casa Calvet
A challenging building to design since it was built for the Calvet textile family for both working and residing and had limited space. This is unlike the usual Gaudi building, which has symmetry and straight lines, which he was quite against as he felt that “The straight line belongs to men, the curved one to God.” Nevertheless, the building was often touted as the best in the city, whose ground floor is now open as a restaurant. This Art Nouveau building is surely something truly unique and noteworthy.
3. Park Güell
Only Antoni Gaudi could pull off designing a park in such an artistic manner, which is like a mosaic of colourful ceramic tiles conjoined in the most kaleidoscopic manner. Finished in 1914, this UNESCO World Heritage site has become a landmark public park which offers an unparalleled view of the city’s skyline. A whimsical undertone seeps through each step, which is a mixture of natural and worldly elements. Upon entrance, the visitor is greeted by a mosaic dragon, lovingly called “El Drac” and is the city’s symbol.
4. Casa Batlló
One of the most iconic buildings in Barcelona on the Passeig de Gràcia is Casa Batllo by Antoni Gaudi. The charismatic blue and green ceramic tile on its rooftop almost resembles a dragon’s skin made in a Modernist style. Also known as the ‘House of Bones’, which is named after its skeletal balcony and columns, it was completed in 1906. The use of mosaics and stained glass invokes vivid imagery, giving almost a fairytale appearance. Also, one of its striking features is its balcony, which is like a masquerade mask, giving a subtle hint to its mysterious appearance.
5. Casa Milà (La Pedrera)
One of the most modern residential apartment buildings of its time, its ingenuity lies in its wave-like structure, which almost feels like it’s in a liquid state. This sand-coloured building, completed in 1912, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984. Given its stone facade and wrought iron balconies, it is popularly known as La Pedrera (The Quarry). It is also known as one of the first residential buildings with underground parking and self-supporting stone facades.
6. Colonia Guell
Built for Eusebi Guell, his first client and a lifelong patron who appreciated his genius, the crypt is located just 20km from the city and is a must-visit for all Gaudi fans, even though the Church was never finished. The crypt itself took him 14 years to complete, but what’s noteworthy is that Gaudi used it as his lab for his magnum opus and is full of references that made his work and him immortal.
7. Casa Vicens
One of the early constructions of this mastermind, this Art Nouveau house has a unique and memorable red-coloured upper facade. Bringing nature indoors, Gaudi incorporated the ivy leaves and carnation design using paper mache. Besides, the outdoors somewhat looks like a visual paradise full of hues that make the eyes pop with wonder.
