Gaudy Gaudi

Barcelona is home to the most extravagant and beautiful examples of Modernista architecture and design.  Modernisme, Catalan (language of Catalonia) for "modernism," is an art movement that looks back and forward at the same time.  It's a little confusing to explain.  Modernisme occured during the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century.  Catalan artists of the time looked back at their history to influence fresh ideas of art.  Architects referred to gothic design in ornate details and structure, and they referred to Roman occupation of Spain with mosaics.  Modernisme is predominately displayed in the architecture of Barcelona, and it adds to the romantic feel of the city.  Some people simply call the products of the movement "fairy tale-esque."

 

On our first day in the city, we went on a tour of the Palau Musica Catalana, which was designed and built by Lluis Domenech i Montaner.  It's best known for its incredibly concert hall was a sun-dripping skylight.

 

The symbol of the Musica Catalana is this organ on the seats.

The most famous Modernista artist is Antoni Gaudi.  Throughout Barcelona, he left his print in homes and other buildings, the Sagrada Familia, and Park Guell.

We passed by a few of the homes he was commissioned to decorate, including two in Gracia, but we weren't willing to pay the steep fare to enter.

Palau Guell

 

Casa Battlo

 

 

Casa Mila

The whole building was covered up because they were doing
construction on it, so this was the only picture I could get.

My favorite Gaudi piece is the Sagrada Familia, the Sacred Family, an unfinished cathedral that towers over the Barcelona skyline.

Much like gothic cathedrals, this Modernista one's exterior is covered in detailed statuary depicting tales of the Bible, the front covering Christ's birth and the back His death.

 

 

 

 

Judas with a starved dog.  Like I said, detailed.

Inside the colors from the stained glass windows reflect onto the white pillars that hold up the extraordinary interior.

 

Chi Rho, one of the earliest symbols
in Christianity.  It's what Xmas is based on.

 

  

 

  

  

Absolutely beautiful.  This was my favorite site in Barcelona.

After we spent time at the Sagrada Familia, we took a nice, long stroll to another part of town where Park Guell is located.  The park was meant to be a residential park for wealthy and upper-class members of the Barcelona society.  It's also unfinished.  Only two homes were built on the property.

 

Park Guell is worth the price to get the typical pictures you see of Barcelona.  It contains great examples of Gaudi's works, but so many people go there that you can hardly enjoy admiring them.  Next time we go to Barcelona, we'll likely only visit the free part of Park Guell.

 

 

No dogs.
No picking flowers.
And absolutely no soccer.
(only in Barcelona)

Surrounding Park Guell is the greater Park Guell that is completely free to enter.  Eric and I had more fun exploring the free part of the park than the part that required a ticket.  It had better views of the city.  It was also fun to listen to the musicians that had come to the park.