Barcelona, Spain’s Full of Antoni Gaudí’s Whimsical Architecture

Casa Batlló in Barcelona, Spain.
Casa Batlló in Barcelona, Spain. Photo by Ruggiero Calabrese on Unsplash

Barcelona, Spain has some of the most inspiring and unique architecture around the world. In addition to the city’s Gothic architecture, there’s Antoni Gaudí’s modernist architecture which has a whimsical feel. Here are three fantastic works from Gaudí you have to check out.

Park Güell

This park was originally supposed to be a housing community for the rich commissioned by Eusebi Güell. Gaudí modeled the park after gardens that he saw in England, building around the natural elements of the land. Instead of benches, there’s one long, wavy stone bench that has mosaics, and the welcome centers look like buildings that came out of Dr. Seuss books.

Casa Batlló

Out of all of Gaudí’s apartments in the city, Casa Batlló is the most recognized and it’s known for its bright colors, skeletal terraces, and intricate tile work. The facade is inspired by the legend of St. George, who was famous for slaying a dragon to save the princess.

La Sagrada Familia

From 1882 until his death in 1926, Gaudí was devoted to constructing the La Sagrada Família (Church of the Sacred Family), a Gothic-style church with a twist. The church, which is still under construction, is one of his most recognized works. There are Catholic elements present throughout the architecture like the four towers that represent the 12 apostles and the carved facades at the base that show the life of Christ.