New Year with Gaudí

Following a memorable traditional family Christmas spent on the Italian Riviera between Monterosso and Levanto, it was time for a new adventure. I had last been to Spain many university years ago and was eager to become reacquainted with Barcelona. Almost immediately we were greeted by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, considered by some a genius and by others a lunatic. Perhaps a mix of the two? For those 6 days we experienced Love in the City of Gaudí.

Our first stop was Casa Batlló (right), a modernist house appropriately called the ‘house of bones’.

I was mesmerized by the colors and effects, each detail fitting together creating a masterpiece.

The roof of tiled chimneys was particularly impressive. I was intriqued with the mind of this genius.

Next stop was majestic cathedral Sagrada Família, the Nativity facade by Gaudí began in 1882.

The Passion facade with controversial statues by Josep Subirachs sculpted from 1986-2006.

Intricate ceiling of the cathedral whose completion is planned by 2040, 10 towers still to be built.

Our self-guided tour, along with many others, continued to Park Güell, a garden city project.

We were first greeted by the iconic dragon.

A lone violinist accompanied by a washerwoman amidst the living stones.

It was here where Gaudí lived his last years, within this failed urban development turned park.

Our last stop was the statuesque Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera.

It was with the silent guardians on the rooftop that I became enamored.

The whisper of these chimneys confirmed that I would soon return.

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16 Comments

  1. Lindsey January 7, 2012

    So so cool! Love the photos, really makes me want to get there!


  2. Lisa Zari January 7, 2012

    Kasia ,
    You are so incredibly talented. Your writing and photos blow me away !!! Thank you so much for sharing. Would LOVE to go on a photo shoot with you.
    HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!


  3. One of my most favorite places in the entire world! Happy New Year!


  4. Linds January 9, 2012

    You’re making me miss Barcelona! I went last Spring and really loved how the city felt like a magical jungle with all of the unique architecture and landscaping. Did you visit the Olympic park or Montjuïc Castle? Those were my favorites!


    • Kasia January 14, 2012

      Barcelona is indeed a ‘magical jungle’! We passed by the Olympic park and visited the Montjuïc Castle, both were impressive! But it was Gaudí that I loved most of all.


  5. Phil January 9, 2012

    Loved seeing these pictures as they happened (and the ones of the food!). It’s so interesting that you can tell from a picture that the photographer loved what they were shooting.


    • Kasia January 14, 2012

      So true Phil, the lense very well reveals who’s behind it, and how passionate they are for the subject. Happy to have shared this journey with you!


  6. ParisienSalon January 9, 2012

    What a spectacular photographic voyage! Thank you so much for taking us along with you. Makes me want to go back there, myself!


  7. Hi Kasia!

    I was in Barcelona some weeks ago, but I got awful weather =(
    so I appreciate your beautiful photos…Will post about Barcelona & food some day (this is just another thing on my “pending” list….


    • Kasia January 14, 2012

      Sorry you had not the best weather! We were very lucky. Looking forward to your Barcelona food posts…


  8. Samantha January 12, 2012

    Oh you lucky duckling! Barcelona is so magical! I love those guardians and chimneys on top of La Pedrera too!
    XO
    Sam


  9. StyleOnTheCouch January 15, 2012

    Kasia you got some absolutely amazing pictures here! The blue sky is just divine. Many times in the UK did I vow to visit Barcelona and I never made it. I am hoping it is one of the first city breaks I take when I am back in London again (maybe the chimneys whispered that you would come with me and be part tour guide part drinking companion?!)

    http://www.styleonthecouch.com


    • Kasia January 18, 2012

      I have no doubt you will soon enough make it to Barcelona… and maybe I will join you!?


  10. Alana Healy January 15, 2012

    Looking forward to reading more. Great blog.Really thank you! Really Cool.


  11. maria January 24, 2012

    Brought back wonderful memories of Barcelona, I love this city.
    And I love this blog.


    • Kasia January 27, 2012

      Thanks my dear! xx


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