Tourists visit Barcelona for a variety of reasons. Some come to see the matches of one of the most famous clubs in the world, some come to swim or to board a cruise ship, some come for great shopping, and many more to sightsee the city.
What makes Barcelona the most beautiful city in the world for many visitors?
The most important factor for that claim possibly has its name and surname. His name is Antoni Gaudí Cornet (1852 – 1926) and he was an architect whose architectural masterpieces are timeless. His works set him in the Modernist movement, but his peculiar styling marked him as one of the most influential architects of the last century. His Sagrada Familia is the most visited attraction in Spain and seven of his masterpieces have been proclaimed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Religion had a huge influence on his work, which is why he was named the “God’s Architect”. Being completely devoted to his work, he remained single in his lifetime. Some today even advocate his beatification. He died after he was hit by a tram. He never cared about fashion in clothing, so some considered him a beggar. After the accident he did not get the proper care and he died in hospital two days later.
After his passing, Barcelona was left with magnificent image-altering masterpieces, due to which many will claim Barcelona to be the most beautiful city in the world. We are bringing you the list of the most noted ones:
La Sagrada Familia – It is the most famous piece of Gaudí’s work. The building of the church began back in 1892. The end of works is expected in 2030. It represents the relationship between the man, nature, and faith through sculptures and facades. We recommend climbing one of the towers for experiencing a spectacular view of the city. The entry lines can be long, but with some agencies you can get a priority pass if you book their city tour as well.
La Pedrera – For many architects this is the most original residential building in the history of architecture. It is located in the most beautiful avenue in Barcelona – Passeig de Gracia. It has been under the protection of UNESCO since 1984. The building seems more of a sculpture than a residential building.
Palau Güell – the palace in which the Güell family lived does not look like other works. The facade is quite different, but the interior and the roof reveal Gaudí in his genius.
Casa Batillo – is actually the restoration of an existing building in 1904. Catalan Art Nouveau is recognizable in ceramic tiles, stone and iron. During construction, the appearance was quite criticized, but in 1906 the building was already declared one of the three most beautiful.
Casa Calvet – stone facade reflects the influence of the Baroque period. The balconies are somewhat similar to those on Casa Batillo. The name was inherited by a wealthy industrialist family – Calvet.
Casa Vicens – It is the first significant Gaudí’s work. Built between 1883 and 1888, it is an imaginative residential building project for a wealthy family that owned a ceramic factory. The influence of Islamic architecture is also visible throughout.
Bellesguard is also known as Casa Figueres – it is located in Sarria – Sant Gervasi district of Barcelona. The country where it is located belonged to the Aragonese king and the count of Barcelona. Gaudí’s inspiration was a medieval castle formerly located there.
Colegio de las Teresianas – Even though Gaudí did not begin the construction, he ended it, and his influence is visible throughout. The building is built out of red bricks because the monastery that commissioned it did not have enough money. Materials and ornaments are quite basic. Particularly eye-catching are the doors that cannot be opened from the outside.
Colonia Güell – It is a worker’s colony in Santa Coloma de Cervello, a small town on the edge of Barcelona. It was commissioned by count Güell, who wished to have a church in the colony. The works were never completed because in 1915 he ran out of money. Only the crypt was finished. It was renovated in 2002 under strong public criticism. It is also under UNESCO protection.
Travel Advisor – YouTube channel.
https://www.travel-advisor.eu/en/best-music-festivals-in-europe-2018/
https://www.travel-advisor.eu/en/nobu-five-new-luxury-hotels/
