The Vivacious Culture of Barcelona: Architecture: The Wonderous World of Antoni Gaudi

The city of Barcelona is lively, unique, and incomparable to any place I have ever seen. It may have been since it was the second city I had seen in Europe, or it may have been the towering and cascading architecture that could not be missed. I prefer to believe the latter, as would the infamous genius, Antoni Gaudi, who has made Barcelona his working canvas, with numerous, breathtakingly beautiful pieces around the city. The people of Barcelona are also lively and unique, therefore the atmosphere they exude mixed with mosaics of masterpieces, equals one vivacious and extraordinary place to be. Of course, Gaudi is not the only credited architect in Barcelona. The gothic and Romanesque buildings, some that are still standing from when Rome conquered this area, give the city a historical feel. The history greatly compliments the modern architecture, where I found myself not being able to stop staring at buildings.

The most memorable and cultural pieces constructed by Gaudi would have to be Sagrada Familia, Parc Guell and Casa Battlo. La Sagrada Familia is the largest and most insane-looking church I have ever laid my eyes on. Honestly, words cannot describe it. His use of stain glass, nature-esque pieces, and of course religious figures, are all greatly adorned and massive. This amazing church utterly describes the eclectic style this city encompasses.Though construction of Sagrada Família had commenced in 1882, Gaudí became involved in 1883, taking over the project and transforming the project with his architectural and engineering style—combining Gothic and curvilinear, Art Noveau forms with structural columns and arches. Parc Guell is another feature unlike anything I have ever seen. Gaudi constructed it from 1900 to 1914 and it was supposed to be a housing development. Only two houses were built and when no one bought them, the place was turned into a municipal garden. Eusebu Guell was the founder who lived in one of the houses, until Gaudi bought the site and moved in, turning the park into an artisitc movement. High atop a mountain with the most spectacular views of the entire city and ocean, this is more than your ordinary park. There are millions of mosaic tiles that seem to become more decorated as you continue walking through the gorgeous park with natural flowers and landscape. If I could close my eyes and magically be anywhere when they reopened, this is where I would be. The people who get to call this magnificent piece of land their front or backyard are truly lucky. On that note, maybe that is why the people are extra magnificent themselves.