I have been to Barcelona probably around half a dozen times or so. This time however was the first time that I had the pleasure to visit the Casa Mila, Park Guell and Sagrada Familia. I had visited previously the Casa Batllo but never any of the other examples of Gaudi architecture. Most likely because each of the other visits were for business and one occasion where I spent the weekend with a girlfriend and we were completely caught up in shopping mode and didn’t see a single site!
This time in Barcelona, I was with my husband and since he appreciates architecture we spent more time on viewing Guadi work and art galleries than shopping. We only had a weekend so we visited as much as possible without wearing completely out our feet!
Casa Batllo
On our first full day we visited the Casa Batllo and I must say while I had found Gaudi architecture interesting before, I had no understanding of it and thought it was all aesthetic or some really good (or bad, depending on your POV) drugs.
In our visit to the Casa Batllo we discovered that even the university from which he graduated was unsure if he was a genius or a lunatic. Actually as you learn the inspiration behind his ideas you are fascinated by his genius.
Casa Batllo Model
He was fascinated by nature and was therefore inspired by nature in his designs. When you look at his work you can easily see structures which resemble backbone vertebrae, spiral stair cases inspired by shells, tiles inspired by honey cones and columns by bones and trees. When you understand these ideas, you cannot help but think of him as a genius and wonder why more of his ideas were not more widely adapted.
Casa Batllo Spine Inspired
Casa Batllo Tile
If in Barcelona, I would highly recommend a visit to Casa Batllo for education of the ideas and then Casa Mila for the aesthetic appreciation of Gaudi architecture.
Casa Batllo Terrace Chimney
