Antoni Gaudí’s architectural masterpiece is the one of the main attractions for visitors to see on their Barcelona holiday. Known the world over, the Sagrada Familia Cathedral has inspired designers, engineers and architects from around the globe.

 

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Gaudí was born in Reus to the south of the city. When he was the son of a coppersmith he began to learn about arts and crafts in his father’s workshop. He left Reus for Barcelona and entered the School of Architecture in Barcelona at a young age, it is here his dream developed into becoming one of the finest architects Catalonia has ever known. His unique modernist art inspired new generations and created a movement the city and its residents had never seen before.

As his reputation grew he was commissioned to design some of Barcelona’s best known projects which he designed and honed into his own interminable style. The famous structures of Casa Milà or La Pedrera as it is also known, and Casa Batlló are two of his well-known buildings in the centre of the city.

 

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He took over the design of the Sagrada Familia Cathedral in 1883, once he realised what a great undertaking it was, he left his other work to concentrate solely on this structural masterpiece. He never did see the end result, but even today the blend of Gaudi’s architectural genius and the more contemporary features which were completed after his death mesh together past and present flawlessly.

Everyone who visits the city is drawn to this Cathedral, it dominates the skyline and offers a real awe-inspiring look into the genius and creativity of one man. It is possible to book tickets to visit the beautiful interior of the cathedral, you can also walk the towers for the most phenomenal panoramic views of the city below. However, the building is just as impressive from the exterior. Whatever you do, don’t leave your vacation rental in Barcelona without seeing it just the once – you won’t regret it.