Art, Heritage & Architecture in Barcelona
Hosting the 1992 Olympics really put Barcelona on the map. Many buildings and structures were built for the games to show visitors the greatness of the city. The Olympic Park has a panoramic view of the city and is where Palau Sant Jordi is located.
Visiting this area, I almost felt as if I was traveling back in time. The architecture is not old by any means and is rather contemporary, but the way it weaves with nature is breathtaking. Going for sunset is even more magical. No matter what, there are always numerous dogs running about, sometimes even swimming in the fountain, and people exercising (Contemporary, n.d.).
Here are some photos of the Olympic village and Montjuic Park, including the National Museum of Catalonian Art.
Some interesting things to note in comparative photos is that some details have been lost with the times, such as intricate framing and balcony etching. Also, in Plaça de Sant Pere, heigh has been added since the original photo in 1890. Another observation is that trees have been added to the sidewalks. In the old photos, there is barely any vegetation near the buildings. However, when walking the streets, trees line any street with enough space to house them (Catàleg, n.d.).
Trees line nearly every main road in Barcelona.
Gaudí also had a massive impact on Barcelona’s architecture. He was inspired by nature in all of his designs and never left a detail out. In some of his works, I have noticed everything from human skulls to flowers. It appears as if nothing was off-limits for him, as if the smallest creature could inspire him to build a city.
Gaudí was eventually hired to make Barcelona’s new cathedral, what would come to be known as La Basilica de la Sagrada Familia. Sisson said that “He so threw himself into the Sagrada Familia project that he lived like a pauper, taking up residence inside the structure, spending his last days with the craftsman building the towering structure . . .” (2015). Gaudí seemed to have endless passion as he was the mastermind behind more than 10 great structures in Barcelona. I got to visit a few, including Casa Batlló, La Sagrada Familia, and Park Güell.
Some shots from Casa Batlló.
The interior and exterior of La Sagrada Familia.
Some views at Park Güell.
Sources
Catàleg Online. (n.d.). Retrieved April 15, 2020, from http://fotosdebarcelona.com/comparatives/ciutat-vella/
Contemporary Barcelona. (n.d.). Retrieved April 15, 2020, from http://patrimoni.gencat.cat/en/collection/contemporary-barcelona
Sisson, P. (2015, September 21). Gaudi's Barcelona: A Map of His Famous, Fantastical Works. Retrieved April 15, 2020, from https://www.curbed.com/maps/antoni-gaudi-barcelona-map-buildings