I want to dedicate this week's post to one of my favourite architect - Antoni Gaudi (Catalan Architect) , who was born on June 25,1852.During my first drive around Barcelona,I saw lot of unique buildings with colorful mosaics,natural elements,patterns and skeleton balconies which intrigued me.
Then my visit to Sagrada Familia took my fantasy and imagination to a different level. One must experience how the placement of mosaics and patterns play with the light and create illusions,a fantasy.
Pro Tip : Visit between 4 and 5 PM, the rays of sunset through different colored glasses takes you to a different world.Soak it all in and enjoy the play of sun rays.
Pro Tip : Book the slot online before you travel as the queue is long and the wait time is more.
Pro Tip : Don't bother to climb to the top if travelling with young children.Pathway are narrow and rickety and the wait time is long.
My next stop at Casa Mila (La Pedrera) , another Gaudi's work stands true to its inclusion to world Heritage Site.The structure has so many ornamental and decorative styles which were new in those days.This unusual building of undulating stone facade and wrought iron balconies and windows was built more than a century ago between 1906 and 1912 yet looks so modern and blends well with current age seamlessly.
The attic , which now house the Gaudi exhibition must be visited to admire the architectural design and beauty.
Pro Tip: Don't forget to listen to the audio commentary to understand the intricate details of the architectural decision.
I was particularly fascinated by the Roof Terrace.Stairwells,ventilation towers and chimneys , each have their beauty,uniqueness and tremendous functionality.You can find different materials like marble,ceramic or monochrome stone used in Chimneys. Ventilators have their own unique forms which makes it for an interesting design.
Gaudí’s magnum opus, La Sagrada Familia has been under construction since 1882 and is slated for completion in 2026. That’s 144 years, if anyone’s counting.I hope that I would be able to travel freely to take it all the beauty this ambitious project has to offer.
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