Experience the Vision of Gaudi in Barcelona

Many people believe Barcelona to be one of the most pleasurable and attractive cities in Spain. With a gorgeous view of the Mediterranean on one end, and the many options of all-night partying at the other end, there is never a dull moment when it comes to a vacation in Barcelona. However, the most beautiful and valued part of the city is the magnificence that is Antoni Gaudi.

Antoni Gaudi was born in Catalonia, which is, historically, the place where Barcelona now lies. Catalan is the true identity of Barcelona, which makes his work so much more admired in the vast city. Gaudi’s influence spanned all throughout Barcelona, and his architecture attracts thousands of people each day.

The first stop on your tour of Gaudi’s landmarks should be Casa Milá (pictured below.). Gaudi built the house for a wealthy married couple. When it was first being built, many people ridiculed Gaudi’s vision. But now, the way it is constructed is absolutely mind-blowing. He uses amazing shapes and styles not seen very regularly anywhere else in the world. Inside the museum, there are now exhibits on the floors of actual furniture and appliances they used back when the family was living there. Also, there are slideshows of how it was built and the cultural significance of his architecture during that time period. You can also go outside on the roof to see fantastic views of all of Barcelona.

Casa Milá is located at 92, Passeig de Grácia, in the Eixample district of Barcelona. Price to enter is around €9.50.

Another amazing place to witness is Parc Güell (pictured on feature page and below), which is a massive garden complex located on the hill of el Carmel. Gaudi first constructed the park as a housing site, hoping that it would inhabit some of the richest and most prominent citizens of Spain. The park is stunning; mostly because of the way Gaudi incorporates Catalan nationalism into the piece, which is shown within the artistry. There are tons of mosaic elements in the park, which can only be appreciated close up. Atop the hill is a gigantic cross, and after the short climb up, you can see all of Barcelona and the bay below.

The final stop is the unfinished La Sagrada Familia (pictured top left of this article). I’m sure every one of you has seen pictures of this amazing structure, but to see it up close is something else entirely. La Sagrada Familia is considered to be one of Spain’s most beloved tourist sites, and being one of those tourists, I would agree completely. The construction of the Roman-Catholic church began in 1882, yet it still isn’t complete!

The amazing thing about this church is: after Gaudi’s death in 1926, the architects had such a hard time trying to replicate Gaudi’s vision, and the plans have been passed on to many different architects. Construction is said to be completed in 2026, 100 years after Gaudi’s death.

There are numerous sculptures on the sides of the church, many of which portraying Jesus, and it is simply breathtaking. Its towers are so large and intimidating that you can see them from atop Parc Güell. While the interior isn’t finished, you are still allowed to take tours and see how the construction is progressing. My recommendation would be to go with a tour guide; they will be able to tell you an incredible amount of information regarding the church.

If you find yourself in Barcelona, it would be a shame to miss these magnificent pieces of art and architecture. Prices vary depending on whether or not you are a student, but still only range from €9.00 to €11.00. If you plan on visiting both La Sagrada Familia and Casa Milá, there are combination tickets you can buy for a reduced price. This is a great way to save some money and see some unforgettable attractions.

-Safe Travels