Antoni Gaudi y Cornet

Spanish architect

Antoni Gaudi (1852-1926) was a Spanish architect and regarded as the most creative originator of his art in modern times. Neo-gothic, art nouveau and surrealism are the trends that are commonly used to describe the style of his work.

Casa Vicens

Gaudi was born in Reus in 1852 as son of a coppersmith. He attended the School of Architecture in Barcelona from 1874 till 1878.
Gaudi would spend his entire life in Barcelona.
In Les Carolines street, at number 24, there is the polychromatic "Casa Vicens". This was an early assignment of Gaudi. This private house was very much inspired on Arab architecture.

Güell Park

"Güell Park" was build between 1900 and 1914. This famous park is situated on Carmel Hill from where there is a magnificent view over the city and the sea. Financier Eusebi Güell wanted to make a city garden, but only a small part of this project was actually built. The lower section of the park is surrounded by a wall that is decorated with coloured tiles and the ceiling of the "Hall of 100 Columns" consists of a very varied collection of objects, including pieces of broken plates, glass and other materials.

Casa Milà

From 1906 till 1909 Gaudi worked at "Casa Milà". Locally this house is known as "La Pedrera". It caused a great stir, because many thought the house was built by the devil.
Nowadays this building is generally regarded as an important representation of Modernism. "Casa Milà" is now one of the most important architectural buildings of the 20th century in Barcelona and its imaginary forms, colours and textures are admired.

La Sagrada Familia

In the district of La Sagrada Familia we find the "Great Temple of La Sagrada Familia". In 1882 Villar begun with the crypt, but work was continued by Gaudi when he took over construction in 1891. From that moment till his death in 1926 Gaudi would work on the Neo-gothic apse. The building was not completed when Gaudi died. He only saw the completion of one of the three facades with bell towers. The work is still in progress.

More information

Architecture Main Page
Antonio Gaudi: Barcelona
Antonio Gaudi: Man and His Work
Antonio Gaudi: Master Architect