Barcelona – Spain’s architectural hub

Posted by:
Lab team
on:
October 19, 2015
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Learn holiday Spanish and use your Spanish in Barcelona!

If you are planning on venturing to Barcelona, I’m sure that one of the first things on your itinerary will be a visit Gaudí’s numerous architectural wonders. Antoni Gaudí was born in Reus in 1852 and graduated with a degree in architecture in 1878. On the contrary to being influenced by the other contemporary architectural styles of the time, his distinctive characteristics were influenced principally by the imagery of nature. For example, many of his masterpieces have elements of nature embedded in them, such as natural curved construction stones, twisted iron sculptures and shapes of organic origin, as well as coloured tiles arranged in mosaic patterns. If you are heading to Barcelona make sure you don’t miss the following dazzlers:Sagrada FamiliaWithout a doubt the most visited attraction in Barcelona, Sagrada Familia is definitely worth a visit – probably for the whole afternoon. Gaudí built this cathedral in 1882 and wanted it to be funded by the people, rather than by their taxes or through state funding. Your entry fee goes towards the on-going maintenance in order to both preserve its original characteristics and keep it safe and well constructed.Passeig de GràciaThis is a long and ample shopping avenue full of luxury brands, somewhat comparable the Champs Elysees in Paris. Here you will find its famous mosaic Gaudi tiles and a myriad of grand buildings, which include two of Gaudí’s houses – Casa Batlló and Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera. Casa Batlló is a wonderful building hidden behind a façade that is full to the brim with creative architectural details that are specific to Gaudi’s legendary approach.Park GüellThis is another major work of Gaudí’s in Catalonia’s capital, which began to be constructed in 1990 and is located in the Gràcia district. Park Güell is a distinct park in that it constitutes of a magnificent blend of beautiful green spaces, lush gardens and architectonic elements. It was named an official UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 and is unmissable.There’s no doubt that Gaudí’s unique and distinct architectural styles are a fascinating element of Spanish culture. If you really want to make the most of your trip, join a tour group in one of the official tourism agencies, which will take you around his marvels and give you all the details about his inspiration and success in the architectural world. Why not push yourself a little and take the tour in Spanish, or even Catalan!Written by Evie Oswald