Catalan flair

Gaudi's Barcelona and beyond

[Tripper: Paola]

IT

There is no shortage of reasons to visit Barcelona, whatever your passion.
Barcelona is a city where vitality runs along its ramblas; sport finds its exhilarating moments at the famous Camp Nou, which can be visited together with the FC Barcelona museum; the story is told very well in the streets of the Gothic quarter (Barrio Gotico), preserved as in the Middle Ages; modernity advances and recovers areas once inaccessible due to too high levels of insecurity, such as in the Raval district where you can stop to eat or even just visit the Boqueria market or lose yourself in admiration among the rooms of the Centro de Cultura Contemporanea de Barcelona, known such as CCCB.

The stained glass windows of the Sagrada Familia

The light that filters through creates a unique atmosphere

But what more than anything else, in our opinion, marks the mood of the city is the art of Antoni Gaudí, an imaginative architect who lived until 1926.
From his artistic vision, the city offers several works starting with Palazzo Güell, designed and built by Gaudi for the Guell family. You absolutely must go inside and see the effect of the light that filters through the roof and when you go out onto the terrace you will be struck by the 20 mosaic chimney pots, which explode in a riot of color as if to compensate for the austerity of the building below. Gaudì's fame with this building begins to make its way to find full outlet in the houses built for various clients: from 1904 to 1906 Gaudì restored the house of the industrialist Batlló, making it a true work of art. Which among other things during the Christmas period is dressed up with lights and sounds.
Did you know that Casa Batlló is located in what was once called the block of discord?
The municipality of Barcelona had set up an urban planning prize with the aim of improving the city's aesthetics and along Paseo de Gracia several architects carried out their works. Indeed, next to Casa Batlló, you can admire Casa Amatller by the architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch, followed by Casa Mulleras by Enric Sagnier, followed by Casa Josefina Bonet by the architect Marcel-li Coquillat and Casa Lleó Morera by Lluís Domènech i Montaner, which, being on the corner with Calle del Consejo de Ciento, closes the block. Were all discords like this, all humanity would have to enjoy them.
Gaudì's artistic trait can also be seen on La Pedrera-Casa Milà, within which there is an exhibition area with models of the most important works. This was the last house the architect worked on before dedicating himself full time to his masterpiece: the Sagrada Familia. The Basilica alone is worth a visit to the city. Upon entering, you can only be struck by the light that filters through the large colored windows, giving the interior an almost magical spiritual atmosphere.
It seems to be in a fairy forest, an idea reinforced by the columns that look like trees raised to the sky to remind us how powerful the force of nature is. We are unable to properly express in words how strong the impact with the basilica is, you really have to come and see for yourself.
You can also climb to a height in one of the towers of your choice: the Nativity which is 55 meters high, or the Passion which is 75 meters high. Both are equipped with a suggestive spiral staircase that once again recalls natural elements.
Do not miss to visit Parc Güell just outside the city on the Carmel hill, which in addition to being an enjoyable park, where you will find the iconic features of the most inspired Gaudì, you will also be able to see the house where the artist lived for over 20 years.
Have a good trip