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There are seven properties built by the renowned architect Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926) in or near Barcelona that have been classified as UNESCO sites. Barcelona is blessed with the legacy of this incredible man in the same way that the city of Rome is blessed with Bernini‘s legacy.
His exceptional masterpieces yield harmonious colors and fluid lines that are a testiment to his creative genius. He contributed to the development of architecture and building technology in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Antoni Gaudí, Casa Batlló (Photo credit: profzucker)
The UNESCO monuments include: Casa Vicens; Gaudí’s work on the Nativity façade and Crypt of La Sagrada Familia; Casa Batlló; and the Crypt in Colonia Güell. His works demonstrate “el Modernisme of Catalonia.”
Antoni Gaudi was born in Reus in 1852, a small town south of Barcelona. He died in an accident in 1926.
Interior del Templo Expiatorio de la Sagrada Familia en Barcelona (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
His major feat was his association with the church of Sagrada Familia that was started by the architect Francesc de P. del Villar in 1882 in Gothic revival style. In 1883, Gaudi made fundamental changes to the project and he continued working on the church based on a Latin cross, until his death. Visit the museum under the church that chronicles Gaudi’s contributions including his models and his original drawings.
Détail de la Sagrada Familia de Gaudi à Barcelone (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Gaudi’s vision has been realized http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irlQiGnUuMQ. The passionate commitment of the heroic efforts of people involved in building this magnificent church will make you weep.
The church has three facades: The Nativity to the east, the Passion facade on the west and the Glory facade on the south which has not been completed. The Glory facade will explain the life and the end of man presided over by St. Joseph in his workshop. Watch a brief video to see the magnificent structure http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hskV6b9SwPA.
Español: Busto de Gaudí, Joan Matamala, Museo de la Sagrada familia. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The influencial architect has the most influence on the Nativity facade. It was built between 1894 and 1930. It is dedicated to the birth of Jesus and is decorated with ornate sculptures and faces the rising sun to the northeast. It is divided into three porticos that represent faith, hope and charity. The Tree of Life rises above the door. The facade includes different episodes of the Childhood of Jesus including the Immaculate Conception.
Nativity Facade
The Passion facade has gaunt, skeletal characters which were designed by Josep Maria Subirachs. His hard llines represent the pain and final scrifice of the life of Jesus. A crucified Christ presides over the central door surrounded by the people that were present at his agony. Three Lati nwords appear on this facade: Veritas, Vida and Via because Jesus is the Way. The work was completed in 1978. The Last Supper and the Kiss of Judas are sculpted into the facade that is supported by six columns designed to resemble sequoia trunks.
Kiss of Judas
The stratospheric magnificence of the ornamentation of the interior of the church is breath-taking. The ceiling soars with a central vault of sixty meters crowned by Christ ascending into Heaven over the main altar. The Church was consecrated by the Pope in November of 2010 so you can plan your wedding ASAP.
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The Ascension of Jesus Christ
The Crucifixion of Jesus Christ
Stained Glass in Sagrada Familia
Great article regarding the Barcelona Gaudi. Sagrada Familia is a beautiful place to visit. The detail and passion that went in to the building is phenomenal. The one thing that will never escape you in Barcelona is the old gothic theme meet the new modern structures.
Barcelona is a must see city.