Antoni Gaudí was a Spanish architect who is considered one of the most important representatives of Catalan Modernism. His works are characterized by an original and distinctive language inspired by nature, geometry and religion. Gaudí created some of the most famous buildings in Barcelona, such as the Sagrada Família, Park Güell or Casa Batlló, which are now UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Gaudí was born on June 25, 1852 in Reus or Riudoms, a small village near Reus. He came from a family of boilermakers, who gave him a special understanding of space and volume. He studied architecture in Barcelona and worked for various architectural firms before meeting his most important patron and friend, Eusebi Güell, who enabled him to receive many commissions.
Gaudí developed a unique architectural style that combined elements of Art Nouveau, Orientalism and Neo-Gothic with innovative construction principles and structural methods. He often used organic forms abstracted from nature and colorful materials such as ceramics, glass or iron. He placed great emphasis on the integration of his buildings into their surroundings and on the symbolism of his motifs.
Gaudí devoted himself mainly to the construction of churches, homes and public facilities. His most famous work is the Sagrada Família, a monumental basilica that he began in 1883 and did not complete until his death in 1926. The Sagrada Família is a masterpiece of architectural history that combines different styles and techniques and has a rich symbolism.
Gaudí also designed Park Güell, an imaginative garden complex with sculptural elements and mosaics that reflect his love of nature. Casa Batlló is another example of Gaudí’s creativity and flair for aesthetics. The house pays homage to St. George, the patron saint of Catalonia, and features a facade with undulating lines and colorful scales.
Gaudí died on June 10, 1926, as a result of an accident with a streetcar in Barcelona. He was buried in the crypt of the Sagrada Família, where he is venerated to this day. Gaudí left an incomparable legacy that testifies to his genius and his vision of harmonious architecture. He is considered one of the greatest architects of all time and a symbol of Catalan culture.