"Some of Gaudi's Barcelona" a Barcelona Travel Page by gordonilla

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Entrance Facade

La Sagrada Familia

Like every other VTer who visits Barcelona, I have presented one of my images of La Sagrada Familia. This picture shows the detail over the main entrance to the church. This is infact the Passion Facade and shows the crucifiction of Christ.

This style of architecture has been described as proto-modernist or neo-Gothic - and this was his final work. His style did change through his career. His own interpretation of Gothic styles is used, and mixed, with other forms; he has also used colour as an essential element of his architectural style and it embodies religious symbolism where approrpriate.

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through the trees

El Templo Expiatorio de la Sagrada Familia

The construction work of Temple de la Sagrada Familia began in 1882; it's sponsor, Josep Bocabella, initially gave the project to the noted architect Francisco de Paula del Villar. However in 1883, he was replaced by Antoni Gaudi and this project would remain with him for the rest of his life.

The "Cathedral of the Poor" had to be financed by public subscription and donation - and as we all know work is still in progress even to this point in time.

There are lots of facts and details which could be given about the cathedral, so here is a quote -

"Although the average observer could be forgiven for missing this symbolic programme, it is the promise of redemption that Gaudi and his friends on the Christian Right wanted their epiatory temple to offer the people of the city. History, and the people of Barcelona, would prove less than grateful, however, not least during the Civil War, when angry crowds torched parts of the temple. As with so much of the Sagrada there is an uneasy contradiction and horrible irony in the fact that today the area dedicated to death sees more life than any other."

Taken from "Essential Gaudi" by John Gill, Published by Parragon

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The view across the terrace

Casa Mila "La Pedrera"

During the latter 19th and start of the 20th century, the district of Eixample became the main point of expansion in Barcelona.

The industrialist Pere Mila and his wife commsioned Antoni Gaudi to cosntrcut a building on the boundary seperating Barcelona from Gracia - there plan was to turn the main floor into a family residence and rent out the rest of the apartments.

The design was innovative in function, construction and aesthetics - it broke away from all the architectural styles of it's time.

In 1984, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage site.

The building was bought by Caixa Catalunya in 1986; and began to restore it. After 10 years of work, it was opened as a Cultural Centre, and within a very short period of time the public embraced it as one of the most important cultural spaces in Barcelona.