Thursday, April 14, 2011

Tom DiBlasi - Barcelona, Spain - March 23 - 24 (photos by Liz Weeden)



On March 22nd and 23rd we stayed in Barcelona, Spain. While there, we visited the famous Sagrada Familia and the Park Guell. Both of these sites were created by the architect Antoni Gaudi. These works of arts have been named UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Sagrada Familia is a Roman Catholic Church that is not comparable to any other church in the world. It was recently consecrated a minor basilica by Pope Benedict XVI. Gaudi made the structure Gothic and curvilinear but added a combination of Art Nouveau, arches, and columns. The construction of the church began in 1882 and is due to be completed by 2026, the 100-year anniversary of Gaudi’s death. This beautiful work is taking a long time to build because of several interruptions. One of the most devastating events was the Sagrada Familia’s struggle with reliance on private donations. Another unfortunate turn of events was the Spanish Civil War. The Civil War had put construction on hold until 1950. The Park Guell is named after Count Eusebi Guell, after it was an unsuccessful housing site. The park was built between 1900 and 1914. There were two houses built within the park, by Francesco Berenguer. The two houses were occupied by Guell and Gaudi, respectively. The park was built to allow for people to relax and find peace. The terrace above the park provides a great view of the park. Both of these works are unique and similar in design. Gaudi’s work is very distinctive with his creative design.

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