Gaudí & the Modernisme — Barcelona's Architectural Revolution

Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926) is Spain's most famous architect and one of the most original minds in architectural history. His works in Barcelona — organic, colorful, inspired by nature — are world-famous and attract millions of visitors annually.

The Modernisme

Gaudí was part of a broader movement: the Modernisme (Catalan Art Nouveau, ca. 1885–1920). Barcelona experienced an economic boom during this time (textile industry, colonial trade), and the wealthy bourgeoisie commissioned representative buildings in the Eixample expansion.

Besides Gaudí, Lluís Domènech i Montaner (Palau de la Música Catalana, Hospital de Sant Pau — both UNESCO World Heritage Sites) and Josep Puig i Cadafalch (Casa Amatller) shaped the Modernisme. The "Block of Discord" (Manzana de la Discordia) on Passeig de Gràcia showcases three houses by the three masters side by side.

Gaudí's Masterpieces

• Sagrada Família: The unfinished basilica is Gaudí's life's work — construction began in 1882, planned completion around 2026 (for Gaudí's 100th death anniversary). The facades tell the life of Christ, the interior resembles a forest of tree columns. Seven of Gaudí's works are UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• Park Güell: A failed garden city project that became a colorful park with a mosaic lizard and panoramic terrace
• Casa Batlló: The facade resembles dragon scales, the interior an underwater world. The most innovative interior design of the Modernisme
• Casa Milà (La Pedrera): A residential building that looks like a cliff. The rooftop terrace with its surreal chimney figures is iconic
• Palau Güell: Gaudí's first major commission (1886–1890) — a city palace for his patron Eusebi Güell. Less crowded than the other Gaudí buildings