Barcelona’s Architectural Inspirations

When people think of the architecture of Barcelona, they think of the intricate and highly individual style of Antoni Gaudí. While Gaudí’s influence is prominently showcased throughout the city, other architects have made their mark as well.

Sagrada Familia (Holy or Sacred Family)

The most famous of Gaudí’s works is Sagrada Familia, the almost hypnotically beautiful Catholic church. Construction began in 1882, and the following year, Gaudí became involved. He fused the curvilinear Art Nouveau and stark Gothic styles to create a unique combination of elaborate towers, spires, and façades. The three entrances celebrate the virtues of Hope, Faith, and Love.

Courtesy of barcelonatraveller.info

Shaped like a Latin cross, the interior has five aisles, with roof pillars that resemble branched trees. Stone caricatures tell the story of Christianity inside and out, and as in all his works, Gaudí included elements of nature throughout the building. Known as Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece, Sagrada Familia is set to be completed around 2026.

Palau del Baró de Quadras

Designed by Josep Puig in 1904, this architectural marvel was built in the Modernist style and houses Casa Asia today. Its main façade combines Gothic and Plateresque styles, and features ornate sculptures of flowers, garlands, and busts by the famed sculptor Eusebi Arnau. Gargoyles appear frequently, and one corner depicts St. George fighting with a dragon. Some visitors have remarked that the façade appears to be made of lace.

Four Gothic style windows adorn the second floor, the third floor has a long row of arches, and the fourth floor’s mansard roof has gables and glazed ceramics to catch interest.

Barcelona Cathedral (Cathedral of Santa Eulalia)

Courtesy of Catedral de Barcelona.org

Constructed from 1298–1448, this Gothic cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona. The cathedral was built over the crypt of the former chapel of St. James, the church of the Viscounts of Barcelona. The ornate roof fascinates visitors because it features not only the typical gargoyles but also a variety of domestic and mythical animals.

The interior is divided into five aisles, with chapels at the outer two aisles. A side chapel is dedicated to Christ of Lepanto and contains an ornate cross from a ship that fought at the Battle of Lepanto. Coats-of-arms of the knights of the Order of the Golden Fleece decorate the choir stalls.

Barcelona Cathedral is dedicated to Eulalia of Barcelona, a young girl who was martyred during the Roman era. She was put into a barrel, which was then stuck with knives and rolled down a street. The cathedral’s crypt holds Eulalia’s body. The cloister houses thirteen white geese to commemorate the fact that Eulalia was 13 years old when she was martyred.

We’ve covered only three of the many architectural treasures of Barcelona. Have you seen any others, and which aspects of the architecture did you enjoy most?