A delightful ramble: Gawking at Gaudi's works

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Gawking at Gaudi's works

Gaudi was an architect in the 1800's who created buildings that no one has since been able to replicate. His buildings have intricate detail, colour and shapes that were never used during this time. Most of his works like he was on an acid trip whilst designing them, they are whack, but all that whack seems to have led to an array of stunning architectural works throughout Barcelona.

Casa Batllo is one of the ridiculously amazing buildings along the Passig de Gracia, a main street in Barcelona. It sits there framed by the sun and the sidewalk trees amongst the monotonous classic, brown, brick buildings that have become shop fronts. The facade is made up of pastel colours that dazzle in the light and odd balconies that look like bones. Gaudi designed this apartment building for a rich aristocrat but it is now empty and on show for the public.

This is the building next door which was designed by a rival architect.

We also made the trek up to Park Guell. It is like another world as you follow a pathway not knowing where it is taking you, as it leads you further and further through the park. The instant impact of the tiled mosaic sculptures that greet you and the possibilities of where to begin your adventure make the 20 minute walk up hill to reach the park well worth it. It was orignally designed by Gaudi to be an estate for the city's richest people to live in. As they did not like his finished work, it was turned into a park by the council.

There are only two buildings in this park, the rest of the area is made up of twisting, sandy pathways and mosaic staircases that all lead to the highest point, leading to the amazing view of the city. This is the view over the park, the 'gingerbread' house that Gaudi designed at the entrance of the park ensures visitors enter into an adventure of the imagination.