Beyond the narrow crooked streets of the Gothic Quarter, home to many of the city's oldest historic landmarks, to the broad late-19th-century boulevard of La Rambla, and further north into the Vila de Gràcia, the life's work of Antoni Gaudí has shaped the architectural character of Barcelona for more than a century. From his various works along La Rambla, to the surrealist wonderland that is Park Güell, and on to the awe-inspiring heights of the Sagrada Família, Gaudí's mark on the city has been profound, and his dreamlike creations continue to inspire nearly 100 years after his death. Birthplace of the Modernista movement, known more broadly as Catalan Modernism, Barcelona remains a must-see destination for lovers of architecture around the world. Our final edition of Cityscape will finish with a tour of the work of one the 20th century's greatest most whimsical architects.

Gaudí-inspired Barcelona skyline, looking out from atop Park Güell, image by Flickr user Elissa Muller via Creative Commons

Born on June 25, 1852, of Spanish Catalan heritage, Antoni Gaudí grew up to become one of the principle practitioners of the Modernista movement. The architect's masterful application of nationalistic, surrealist tropes to the already established dreamlike quality of Art Nouveau created some of the most splendid examples of Catalan Modernism that the world has ever seen. 

Antoni Gaudí, 1878, image by Pau Audouard

Following his graduation from Escola Tècnica Superior d'Arquitectura, the young Gaudí got to work almost immediately on what would become his most famous structure, the Basílica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família, known around the world today more simply as the Sagrada Família. Begun in 1882 and still a work in progress, the architect's vision has been carried out by successive generations of architects for 135 years and counting. 

Sagrada Família under construction in 1905, image by Baldomer Gili i Roig

Continually under construction for the past 135 years, the incomplete structure is estimated to be about 75% finished. A constant source of preoccupation during the entirety of his illustrious career, Gaudí's most famous work was also his last, as the architect died at the age of 73 in 1926 after being fatally struck by a streetcar.

Divine inspiration, looking up at the intricate ceiling above the nave, Sagrada Família, image by SBA73 via Wikimedia Commons

Equally dazzling inside and out, the Sagrada Família features an endless array of architectural delights. Many of its structural forms are borrowed from nature, such as the interior columns viewed above, which take their inspiration from trees. 

Sagrada Família as it appears today, image by Flickr user yk poon via Creative Commons

Located several blocks north of the Sagrada Família, Gaudí's surrealist dreamland, Park Güell, sprawls across several acres of picturesque parkland. This triumph of Catalan Modernism is expressed through the entire collection of structures, gardens, statues, staircases, walls, and lookouts that populate the massive public green space. 

Grand Staircase, Park Güell, image by Flickr user Physiowilly via Creative Commons

Begun at the outset of the 20th century as an exclusive housing estate created with the intention of placing likeminded Catalan artists, literati, and politicos all in one place, Park Güell gets its name from Count Eusebi Güell, one of the park's founders and early inhabitants. The public park today is one of the most visited sites in Barcelona. 

One of the many colourful lizards that populate Park Güell, image by Flickr user Scott via Creative Commons

Truly a place like no other, Park Güell remains a must-see for anyone making the trip to Barcelona. The free-flowing nature of the meandering public green space is a nice reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the city. 

Casa Milà at dusk, amidst the bustling nightlife of La Rambla, image by Diliff via Wikimedia Commons

Located directly along the northern end of La Rambla, a busy commercial boulevard that is one of Barcelona's premier destinations for shopping, dining, and sightseeing, Casa Milà (1906-10) stands as a prime example of Gaudí's private domestic architecture. The massive structure is the last of its kind built by the architect during the end of his career. Known locally as "Le Pedrera," or "open mine" in English, the distinctive look of the outer facade beautifully captures the architect's whimsical eye for texture and scale. 

Casa Batlló's famous three-part facade as viewed from La Rambla, image by Amadalvarez via Wikimedia Commons

Viewed above, the famous three-part facade of Gaudí's Casa Batlló (1904) is quite arguably the architect's most interesting piece. The "Casa dels Ossos," or "House of Bones," represents an elegant blend of Catalan Modernism, Art Nouveau, and Neo-Gothic. Delicately crafted from top to bottom, the former private residence is today open to the public. The beautiful interior rooms of the house, complete with its central courtyard and rooftop terrace, provide visitors with a truly otherworldly experience. 

As Gaudí as it gets, view from inside the Noble Floor of Casa Batlló, image by Sara Terrones via Wikimedia Commons

Featuring virtually every design cue perfected by Gaudí over his career, the exquisite interior spaces of Casa Batlló make for no end of photographic gold. The oft-referenced Noble Floor, as viewed above, with its iconic hand-carved picture window, scalloped ceiling, and sunburst light fixture, is the highlight of every tour. Emulated in cafes, restaurants, and bars the world over, Gaudí's distinctive pairing of whimsy and elegance has never been surpassed, his impact upon the realm of modern architecture has today reached far beyond his native land, having spread outward from Barcelona to every corner of the world.

We have now reached the end for our Cityscape series. It has been a pleasure exploring the unique architectural heritages of cities around the globe from Chicago to Shanghai, and everywhere in between, as the stories and secrets hidden away in the unknown corners of the world each represent a new adventure. Bon Voyage!