Antoni Gaudí’s Architecture in Barcelona

The life of architect Antoni Gaudí

Born in the Catalonia region of Spain in 1852, as a child Antoni Gaudí suffered from a number of health complications. While most kids would be disappointed to have to spend their time resting, Gaudí used the opportunity to begin studying the nature around him, which would later serve as inspiration for much of his architecture.

Antoni Gaudí moved to Barcelona around 1870 to begin his studies in architecture before graduating in 1878. At the time of his graduation, the Director of the School of Architecture, Elies Rogent, proclaimed “I do not know if we have awarded this degree to a madman or to a genius; only time will tell.” I think we can all agree the latter proved to be true.

Over his career, Antoni Gaudí was responsible for a wide variety of projects, many of which were completed, some were never started, and one is still in progress today! Seven of these unique and eclectic works have now been recognised by the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Antoni Gaudí passed away suddenly in 1926 at the age of 73, after being struck by a tram on the streets of Barcelona. The loss of such an icon was felt by many, with a huge crowd there to bid him farewell in the crypt of his greatest achievement, La Sagrada Familia.

Antoni Gaudí’s architectural legacy in Barcelona

 Casa Vicens (1883-1885)

Casa Vicens by F Delventhal

Casa Vicens was the first major project completed by Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona. Commissioned by Manel Vicens i Montaner, as a relatively young architect, Antoni Gaudí was entrusted to build a summer house for the Vicens family. Influenced by oriental design, this fabulous home now serves as a museum dedicated to showcasing the incredible work.

Colegio de las Teresianas (1888-1890)

Colegio de las Teresianas by Enfo

Built during Gaudí’s neo-Gothic period, Colegio de las Teresianas, was actually first commissioned to another architect. Antoni Gaudí took over the design and architecture once the first floor had already been built, reimagining what the remaining floors would look like.

Casa Calvet (1898 - 1899)

Casa Calvet by Cary Bass-Deschenes

Known for being one of his more conservative works, Casa Calvet was designed as both a private residence and business premises for textile manufacturer Pere Màrtir, and in 1900 it was awarded the prize of the best building of the year by the Barcelona City Council.

Casa Batlló (1904 - 1906)

Casa Battlo by Annelieke Huijgens

Known locally as Casa dels ossos, or the House of Bones, Casa Batlló has an organic, skeletal quality to it. Much of the outside of the building is covered in colourful mosaic, and the arched roof has often been compared to the back of a dragon. Its truly unique façade makes it easy to see why it is considered one of his masterpieces.

Casa Milà (1906 - 1912)

Often referred to as La Pedrera, or the stone quarry, Casa Milà has a rough-hewn look, similar to that of an open quarry. Antoni Gaudí, ignoring the rules of conventional style, caused controversy with his design, and both he and the building’s owner, Pere Milà, were subject to much ridicule from the people of Barcelona.

Park Güell (1900 - 1914)

Park Güell by Sung Shin

Covering more than 17 hectares of Barcelona, Park Güell is one of the biggest green spaces in the city. Never fully finished, the buildings you see across the grounds are just a fraction of what was meant to be built. Despite that, it is still one of Barcelona’s most popular tourist destinations, with many flocking to see the famous architecture, including the stunning mosaic bench overlooking the city, and the home where Antoni Gaudí lived between 1901 and 1925.

La Colònia Güell (1890-1914)

Located in the town of Santa Coloma de Cervelló, 23 kilometres south-west of Barcelona, La Colònia Güell was a pioneering, purpose-built industrial village. Again commissioned by Eusebi Güell, the village was built with many amenities to improve the workers’ quality of life. Gaudí was commissioned to design the church, however, construction was halted part way through and the church was never fully completed.

La Sagrada Familia (1882 - expected: 2026)

La Sagrada Familia by Dennis Bunnik

La Sagrada Familia is arguably Gaudí’s most famous work. A Roman Catholic Basilica, the construction originally began under architect Francisco de Paula del Villar. After his resignation in 1883, Gaudí took over the reins, transforming the project completely and dedicating the remainder of his life to its construction. Sadly, when he passed in 1926, less than a quarter of the project was complete. In fact, construction still continues to this day, with the hope it will be finished by 2026.

Frequently asked questions:

What is special about Gaudí’s architecture?

Antoni Gaudí’s architecture is voluptuous, combining texture, form and colour in elaborate designs. His work in Barcelona is inspired by nature, religion and architectural form. Influenced by Neo-Gothic art Oriental techniques and the decorative style of Art Nouveau, Antoní Gaudí’s architecture in Barcelona is unique and iconic.

What are the three houses of Antoni Gaudí?

Casa Batlo, Casa Milà and Casa Vicens are three houses by Gaudí in Barcelona that are open to the public for viewing. Antoni Gaudí is Barcelona’s most renowned architect and you can hardly spend time in Barcelona, Spain without visiting these intricate and massive buildings.

What is Antoni Gaudí’s architectural style?

Gaudí employed a mix of architectural styles, including Modernisme, Art Nouveau, Goth Revival and Organic architecture. Inspired to achieve harmony with nature, Gaudí blended Organic and Art Nouveau architecture principles with the popular Gothic architecture of the time, creating arches, cross-gabling and asymmetrical floor plans that aimed to flow into the surrounding environment, producing the Modernisme style local to Catalan that represents the cultural movement in art and literature of his time.

People also read:

• How to spend 24 hours in Madrid, Spain
• Tapas: the gem of Spanish cuisine
• Photo Guide | Spain and Morocco