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Barcelona An Architectural Paradise
If Santiago Calatrava is Valencia's pride, Antoni Gaudi is definitely his counterpart in Barcelona. Gaudi's Barcelona architecture reflects the influence of nature-like forms in many of his works. His buildings seem like a silent, still but living life form on their own, with curved stones, twisted iron and colorful floors in mosaic patterns. Lauded by architects and designers around the world as one of the most distinctive style, Gaudi's architectural contribution puts Barcelona at the forefront of Spanish and world architecture.
Designs by Gaudi
The Sagrada Familia or the Church of the Holy Family is an 1800's design by Gaudi and is undoubtedly the largest and the most compelling of his works. This privately funded Roman Catholic Church began construction in 1882 and is not expecting completion until at least 2026. Gaudi has worked on this project for 40 years, devoting the last 15 years of his lifetime to the construction. Intended by Gaudi himself to be the last great sanctuary of Christendom, the entire Church is intricately designed with rich
Christian symbolism.
The Parque Guell, another Gaudi design, is an excellent place to relax, unwind and get an eyeful of Barcelona sights. Explore the park and see Gaudi's home of 20 years - a quaint pink house sitting in the middle of the park's lower portion. And even from this location, you'll see a spectacular view of La Sagrada Familia.
Casa Batllo is a smaller and one of the earlier Gaudi buildings in Barcelona. Restored and remodeled by in 1905-07, this building is a design for a middle-class family in one of Barcelona's more prosperous districts. Locally know as the Casa del Ossos or the House of Bones, the house does have the skeletal look and feel. Expect a queue if you come at busier times of the year.
Landmarks by Other Architects
The Torre de Comunicacions, Montjuac is an amazing contribution to Barcelona's architectural masterpieces by Santiago Calatrava. From a distance, this building looks more like a giant sculpture carved out from a huge white marble rock. The Montjuac itself, the mountain between the city and the sea is a spectacular landmark itself, visible from most tall buildings.
A design by French Jean Nouvel Architects is one of Barcelona's skyscrapers. This 33-storey building which opened in June 2005 has seen royal inauguration on September 2005 by the King of Spain himself. Because of its shape, this building is known by various nicknames, some rather suggestive.
The Camp Nou Stadium is home of FC Barcelona and one of the greatest football stadiums in the world. A UEFA five-star stadium, it has hosted various matches at senior levels since its construction in 1957. With an original capacity of over 98,000, the Camp Nou Stadium is easily the largest of its kind in Europe. Foster + Partners won the bid for the stadium's ambitious 50th anniversary remodeling in 2007 which turns this already famous landmark to an even more prestigious construction.
Spend some time in the area enjoying all the incredible architecture. You can find some great holiday apartments that provide excellent accommodations while you are enjoying yourself in Barcelona.
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