Gaudi's City

Those who look for the laws of Nature as a support for their new works collaborate with the creator.
Antonio Gaudi

Sagrada Familia at Night

Barcelona is a city of incredible architecture.  Beautiful buildings can be found on every corner. But perhaps the name most associated with the structural art of Barcelona is Antoni Gaudi.

Nativity Facade by Gaudi

Passion Facade, recently completed

Gaudi was an architect and designer who lived and worked in Barcelona during the late 1800's and into the twentieth century, forever leaving his mark on the city.  This week's favorite thing is his vision of nature in art.

One of Gaudi's most famous works is Sagrada Familia, the major cathedral that dominates the skyline in Barcelona.  Begun back in 1882 , Gaudi planned an overall concept for the church around designs found in nature.  He created the specific design for much of the interior and one of the facades, however; he left room for future artists to create and finish the cathedral.  His whole design functions on the principal of cooperation with future generations - a very forward thinking idea!  I was fortunate enough to have visited Barcelona once before, back in 1988, and I was amazed at how much had been completed in the past twenty four years.

I spent a long time outside the church, looking at the Passion facade before actually entering the cathedral. This is a more modern interpretation of the story of the Last Supper and the crucifixion.  Inside, the stain glass glows and casts rainbows on the white interior. The columns are created to resemble tree trunks, branching toward a vaulted ceiling.

We ventured up a lift to the top of one of the towers.  Being that high up with minimal guard rails was a little frightening, but the view was worth the shaky knees!  Below us the city opened up to the Mediterranean and the smaller spires and sculptures seemed close enough to touch.

Fruit topped spires

Abbie at the top of a tower

Paula, Beth and I try not to look down!

Headed downstairs....LOTS of stairs!

Two fabulous travelers

Inside the "snail"

While Sagrada Familia might be Gaudi's grandest and most impressive project, it is not the only example of his work in the city.

Sunflower tile 

One of several apartment buildings designed by Gaudi

Perhaps one of my favorite works by Gaudi is Park Guell, a beautiful municipal garden located in the foothills above the city.  Sloping upward, the entrance is guarded by a dragon fountain and features mosaics that cover walls, benches and planters full of flowers.

Beth, Abbie, Paula and I enjoy the sun and the Barcelona skyline

Mosaic Benches

Down the stairs and off to more adventure!