Barcelona is known as the capital of modernism. The city, where the architect Antonio Gaudí lived and worked, houses some of his most important works, which attracts millions of visitors from around the world each year. His most reputed work is the Templo Expiatorio de la Sagrada Familia, which Gaudí left unfinished and which is still being built today in the same way as the cathedrals in the Middle Ages, funded by private donations and contributions. Based on modern construction methods, completion is expected by 2020. Some other best-known works of Gaudí are the Parque Güell (Parc Güell), the Casa Mila, also known as "La Pedrera" and Casa Batlló. In addition to the works of Gaudí, Barcelona boasts other jewels of Catalonian modernism such as the San Pablo Hospital and the Palacio de la Música Catalana by Lluís Domènech and Montaner, the Palacio Macaya and many other works by Josep Puig and Cadafalch. For more information click here

Antonio Gaudí

There is a dispute between Reus and Riudoms (two neighbours and adjacent municipals in the region of Baix Camp) on the exact birthplace of Antonio Gaudí. His father´s family was originally from Riudoms where as his mother´s family was from Reus. School records list him as being born in Reus, although he himself on several occasions, said he was from Riudoms, where his entire family on his father´s side (the Gaudí´s) originated. What is known, is that he was baptized in Reus the day after he was born, the place where his elderly godmother resided. The name is evident in his baptism certificate of 1852 - Antón Plácido Guillermo Gaudí i Cornet.

Gaudí studied at the Higher Technical School of Architecture in Barcelona, where he graduated in 1878. Elies Rogent, Director of the School of Architecture of Barcelona, said at the time: "hem donat un títol a un boig o a un geni, el temps ho dirà" (we have given a title to a madman or a genius, time will tell ). During his studies he worked with teachers who were already well known for their works and at the end of his career opened his own workshop, where he would later develop his famous works.

At the Universal Exhibition in Paris in 1878, Gaudí showcased his works for a factory glove. When Eusebi Güell saw his work he was so impressed that he contacted the architect to order some of his works. This was the beginning of a true friendship and patronage, which resulted in the production of Gaudí´s most outstanding works. In 1883 he agreed to continue the newly initiated works of the Templo Expiatorio de la Sagrada Familia. Gaudi completely altered the initial draft and made it into one of his finest pieces of work, known and admired throughout the world today. From 1910 onwards he devoted almost all his time to this project until his death in 1926.

On 7th of June 1926, Antoni Gaudí was walking along the Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, Barcelona. He had crossed Bailén Street to Tetuan Square. It was a typical route he took from the church of San Felipe Neri to the Sagrada Familia. But unfortunately that day, whilst attempting to cross the street, a car hit him and left him paralysed. The driver of the car was slow to realise that he had in fact knocked down the famous architect, Antonio Gaudí. Gaudí died on 10th of June 1926, at the hospital “de la Santa Creu”, at the age of 74. He was buried, amid the praise of thousands, in the crypt of the Sagrada Familia.