Photo Essay: Barcelona--A Work of Art

I found myself mesmerized by what greeted me on my trip to Barcelona. For me at least if not shared by all, hands down, architect Antoni Gaudi transformed this city into a mecca of unique and highly individualistic art and ideas.

My friends and I arrived in Barcelona two years ago on a train from Perpignan, France—we were on a road trip from South of France and decided to go all the way to Spain. And what a marvelous and rewarding plan it was. I felt Barcelona’s lively and spirited vibe, it was a remarkable feeling of oneness with the blending of the old and the new.

We decided to visit all of Gaudi’s major works from Casa Vicens, Park Guell, Casa Mila, Casa Batllo, to his most stunning, although yet unfinished, creation, La Sagrada Familia. I could not help but kid with my friends and say that Gaudi must be an alien—his ideas were out of this world! For him to create these unparalleled works in the late 19th century and early part of the 20th century was amazing. Me and my friends were instant fans upon seeing the fantastic Park Guell—it was like being on a set of Hansel and Gretle, and the view of Barcelona from the top was awesome. Upon seeing Casa Mila and Casa Batllo we became avid Gaudi fans—he was so meticulous with every detail of the buildings—I was especially fascinated by the door knobs and window designs, and of course, the alien structures on top of Casa Mila. By the time we arrived at La Sagrada Familia, we can’t help but bow to Gaudi’s greatness. He transformed traditional gothic architecture and created his distinct sculptural masterpiece—irregular and fantastically intricate and beyond spiritual high. I could not count how many photos I took of the Nativity and Passion facades and the grandiose interior. And despite the very long line to the top, we had to see the imposing towers of the church. Every step going up was like taking part in history, and it was a very exhilarating feeling.

We hope to return in 2027 and see a completed La Sagrada Familia. Thank you, Gaudi, for your great contribution to art.