Culture Explorer Profile picture
Enlightening you with global art and culture, unveiling the hidden gems of our world, one masterpiece at a time.

May 3, 18 tweets

Let us uncover Barcelona's daring spirit through its architectural masterpieces, each a testament to the city's blend of history, art, and innovation.

Are there others we should add to this list of 15?
🧵⤵️

1. Sagrada Família is a monumental Roman Catholic basilica famously designed by Antoni Gaudí, whose construction began in 1882 and remains incomplete. It's set to be completed by 2026, the centenary of Gaudí's death. Gaudí famously remarked about the prolonged construction, "My client is not in a hurry," referring to the divine.

2. Casa Batlló is a vibrant, imaginative building renovated by Gaudí, representing the apex of Modernisme. The facade is rumored to depict the legend of Saint George slaying the dragon, with the roof designed to mimic the dragon's back.

3. La Pedrera (Casa Milà) is another Gaudí masterpiece, notable for its wavy stone facade and innovative wrought iron balconies. Its construction was controversial due to its bold design, and it initially faced criticism for its unconventional appearance.

4. Park Güell is a public park featuring gardens and architectural elements designed by Gaudí on Carmel Hill. Originally intended as a housing project, it was converted into a park after the project failed commercially.

5. Palau de la Música Catalana, designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner, is a concert hall renowned for its stained glass and detailed mosaics. It stands out as the only concert hall in Europe illuminated entirely by natural light during the day.

6. Barcelona Cathedral, officially the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, is a Gothic cathedral known for its elaborate facade. It houses a cloister with 13 white geese, representing the age of Saint Eulalia at her martyrdom.

7. Santa María del Mar is an imposing church built in the Catalan Gothic style, famously constructed by the local shipbuilders and merchants within 55 years, a remarkably short period for its time.

8. Hospital de Sant Pau, a former hospital now serving as a museum, was designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner and is one of the largest Art Nouveau sites worldwide. It functioned as a hospital until 2009 and transitioned to a cultural site thereafter.

9. Torre Glòries, formerly known as Torre Agbar, is a 38-story skyscraper known for its night-time illuminations that change colors for different occasions. It marks the gateway to Barcelona’s technological district.

10. Palau Güell is a mansion designed by Gaudí for the industrialist Eusebi Güell, featuring a unique central hall with a parabolic dome optimized for natural light, intended for high-society events.

11. Museu Nacional

12. Arc de Triomf was built as the main access gate for the 1888 Barcelona World Fair, with friezes that depict Barcelona welcoming nations, showcasing a rich modernisme style.

13. Casa Vicens was Gaudí's first significant project, a summer house that combines Catalan and Moorish styles and displays his early use of tiles and ironwork.

14. La Rambla is a famous street in central Barcelona, known for its vibrant atmosphere and cultural significance. It is a mosaic of shorter streets, each with its unique character.

15. Magic Fountain of Montjuïc, built for the 1929 International Exhibition, is famed for its spectacular displays involving water, light, and music, often synchronized to various musical themes.

If you enjoyed this thread, please share the initial post from the link below and follow us if you're not already doing so.

Additionally, you might want to subscribe to our weekly newsletter, sent every Friday - just click the website link in our profile to sign up.

This picture is credited to: @hikingview

Share this Scrolly Tale with your friends.

A Scrolly Tale is a new way to read Twitter threads with a more visually immersive experience.
Discover more beautiful Scrolly Tales like this.

Keep scrolling