Gaudí in Barcelona: The Unknown Gems

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Cripta de la Colònia Güell

Gaudí in Barcelona: The Unknown Gems

One of Barcelona’s foremost allures is its amazing Art Nouveau architecture. The the world-famous church of Sagrada Família and the magic Park Güell range among the most outstanding sights of the city. Both of them were built by the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, who is considered one of the most exceptional master builders of all times. However, Gaudí’s contribution to Barcelona’s landscape goes much further than that. In fact, the city features a whole bunch of buildings by the famous architect. All of them are worth visiting when you come here, maybe staying at Aspasios Boutique Apartments. So here are some amazing tips to see more Gaudí in Barcelona.

Casa Vicens

Casa Vicens

Casa Vicens

Casa Vicens is one of Gaudí’s first architectural works, built between 1883 and 1888. As such it displays several fascinating elements of the Neo-Mudéjar style, which took up numerous features of the medieval Arab architecture that Spanish architects used to create a modern way of housebuilding. The combination of vivid colors and several building materials such as brick, tiles, and iron made Casa Vicens a unique achievement that marked the path which Gaudí’s architecture would develop upon in the following years. Right now, the building is being completely refurbished and is supposed to open its doors to the public in fall 2017.

Pavellons Güell

Pavellons Güell

Pavellons Güell

The Güell Pavilions are yet another example of Gaudí’s early architectural artistry. Built between 1883 and 1887 they reflect young artist’s interest for oriental architectural styles. During these years, Gaudí built a whole bunch of different buildings on the estate of the wealthy local businessman Eusebi Güell. However, due to Barcelona’s expansion and the construction of the nearby Royal Palace, some of the buildings were demolished. Still, the stable, the longeing ring and the gatehouses conserved offer a wonderful display of most exquisite architecture that can be visited daily from 10 am to 4 pm.

Torre Bellesguard

Torre Bellesguard

Torre Bellesguard

Torre Bellesguard is located in the nifty Sant Gervasi neighborhood. It was built between 1900 and 1909. The name of the house which means the “Beautiful View Tower” in Catalan reflects the building’s privileged position high up in the hills over the city. For this privately commissioned project, Gaudí created a unique mix of a neogothic exterior and an Art Nouveau interior, with high stained-glass windows and his trademark mosaics. The building is open to the public Tuesday to Sunday form 10 am to 3 pm.

Cripta de la Colònia Güell

Cripta de la Colònia Güell

Cripta de la Colònia Güell

Among Gaudí’s numerous projects, the Cripta de la Colònia Güell is particularily interesting as a test area for the construction of the Sagrada Familia. The Cripta was supposed to be the first part of a full-scale church for the workers’ housing estate Eusebi Güell commissioned to build. The project was never finished for lack of money. However, it proved extremely beneficial to Gaudí in order to try out the new ideas of his naturalist style. The Cripta is located in Santa Coloma de Cervelló, a half-an-hour train ride from Barcelona. It is open to the public daily (until 7 pm on weekdays, until 3 pm on weekends).

Sara Barrio

Sara Barrio

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