Gaudi
Antoni Gaudi 1852 – 1926 was an architect
who influenced architecture in the late 19th and early 20th
century. He was fascinated with nature and geometry and used many different
materials. His chief customers were in Barcelona, which was becoming more
affluent after the industrial revolution and the Church.
We went to two buildings that he designed
and found them both to be extraordinary.
La Sagrada Familia is a huge Roman Catholic
Church that was commenced in 1882. When Gaudi died in 1926 only a quarter was
completed. Work has continued slowly using donated funds over the years. It was
consecrated in 2010 when it was half finished. It is hoped that it will be
completed by 2026 for the centennial of Gaudi’s death. It is a mammoth
undertaking and it will be the tallest church building in the world when all
the spires are completed.
Even now it’s quite impressive enough with
a well lit bright interior and three extravagant outside facades – nativity,
passion and glory (yet to be completed).
Gaudi was a genius especially considering
when he lived.
Beautiful rose windows and other windows left with clear glass to allow more light in.
The Lord's Prayer in Catalan covering what will be the main entrance when it is finished.
Another beautiful feature letting in light.
La Pedrera
We also visited La Pedrera. It was commissioned to be a family home with apartments for rent. It now has UNESCO world heritage rating. It was built to optimise light and ventilation and to have a spectacle of forms, light and colour. The roof is spectacular and has floral motifs which Gaudi is renowned for.
One of the apartments is on display and decorated as it would have been in Gaudi’s day.
A children's doll's house with tiny intricate furniture.
A bike above and the maid's room below.
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