Antoni Gaudí

Antoni Gaudí (1852-1926) is one of Catalonia's geniuses with the most universal appeal, its best-known architect internationally.

Barcelona is proud to be the setting for the best examples of his work. In Barcelona, you can see in detail the marvels produced by the complete architect, which is what Gaudí, one of our best cultural ambassadors in the world, was.

UNESCO has classified much of his work as World Heritage sites: in 1984, Parc Güell and Palau Güell, the park and house named after his patron, and the Casa Milà, better-known as La Pedrera: in 2005, his famous cathedral, the Sagrada Família, two more houses, the Casa Vicens and Casa Batlló, and the Colònia Güell Crypt. However, his entire legacy comprises artistic and cultural sites that are a must for a visit to Barcelona! br>
Born into a family of coppersmiths, Antoni Gaudí always proudly cited this family trade as the origin of his personal vision and understanding of space. He was born in Reus (Baix Camp) in 1852 and went to Barcelona in 1870 to study architecture. He combined this with working in the studios of various architects and masons.

Gaudí’s works, which were mainly constructed in the city of Barcelona, can be divided into four periods. During the first, from 1878 (when he graduated) to 1882, his works were of an urban and social nature. The following stage, during which he began to work on the Temple of the Holy Family (the Sagrada Família), is marked by the effort to transcend historical styles and achieve his own visual and structural forms. These two basic aspects are what define Gaudí's style. He makes free and personal use of Islamic art and of Gothic and Baroque styles.

The years from 1900 to 1917 were his most creative and innovative period, in which he developed his most characteristic style: this is the period when he transformed Casa Batlló and built Parc Güell, the Colònia Güell church, the Casa Milà (known as La Pedrera) and the Sagrada Família School. Finally, from 1918 until he was run over and killed by a tram in 1926, Gaudí dedicated himself to building the Sagrada Família church.

Suggestions

Gaudí's tomb, in the crypt!

Don't forget to visit the crypt below the temple. Antoni Gaudí is buried in the first part to be completed, by the altar dedicated to the Mare de Déu del Carme (Our Lady of Mount Carmel) to the left of the main altar.