Gaudi, Gaudi, Gaudi
Picture - From the top of Gaudi’s Parc Güell looking down to the front guard houses and overlooking all of Barcelona
We started the day with the intentions to see the Gaudi architecture starting with his unfinished church Sagrada Famila, followed by Parc Güell, and finally the modernista architecture on Passeig de Gracia. When we arrived at the church (Sagrada Famila) we remembered that the books recommended to purchase tickets in advance. But we did now, so as we stood in line, queued up, we struck up an conversation with a artist who lives outside of Philly and teaches at Delaware State University.
After getting our tickets for 5pm that evening, we then got back on the Metro and headed out to Parc Guell. This is a whimsical and futuristic looking development that Gaudi and a local real-estate friend dreamed up to be the next residential area of Barcelona. While amazingly creative, it was a huge failure. Only one model house was ever built and nothing sold. Gaudi’s house, however, resides in the park.
Later in the day we returned to the church. The church is oddly ascetic feeling and cold. While it is true it is only about 3/4 finished with many of the stained glass windows not completed, it had a very odd feeling about it. Gaudi, himself, was a very religious man and had a prayer room and kneeler in his house. I will need to learn more.
We never made it to the Passeig de Gracia, but are now setup with advanced tix for Friday to see Gaudi’s Casa Batllo.
