Page 146 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Spain

144  BARCEL ONA

Gaudí and Modernisme

Towards the end of the 19th century a new style All aspects of
of art and architecture, Modernisme, a variant of decoration in a
Art Nouveau, was born in Barcelona. It became a Modernista building,
even interior design,
means of expression for Catalan nationalism and were planned by the
counted Josep Puig i Cadafalch, Lluís Domènech i architect. This door
Montaner and, above all, Antoni Gaudí i Cornet and its tiled sur ­
(see p168) among its major exponents. Barcelona’s round are in Gaudí’s
1906 Casa Batlló
Eixample district (see pp162–71) is full of the (see p168).
highly original build ings that they created for
their wealthy clients.

A dramatic cupola
covers the central
salon, which rises
through three floors.
It is pierced by
small round holes,
inspired by Islamic
architecture, giving
the illusion of stars.
Upper galleries are
richly decorated
with carved wood
and cofferwork.

The spiral carriage ramp is an early sign of Gaudí’s
predilection for curved lines. He would later exploit
this to the full in the wavy façade of his masterpiece,
the Casa Milà (La Pedrera) (see p169).

1859 Civil engineer 1900 Josep Puig i 1903 Lluís Domènech i
Ildefons Cerdà i Sunyer Cadafalch builds Casa Montaner builds Hospital
submits proposals Amatller (see p168) de la Santa Creu i de Sant
for expansion 1878 Gaudí graduates Pau (see p169)
of Barcelona as an architect Hospital detail
1850 1865 1880 1895 1910 1925
1912 Casa Milà
1883 Gaudí takes 1888 Barcelona completed 1926 Gaudí dies
over design of Neo­ Universal Exhibition
Gothic Sagrada gives impetus 1905 Domènech i Montaner builds Casa
Família (see pp170–71) to Modernisme Lleó Morera (see p168). Puig i Cadafalch
builds Casa Terrades (see p169)
Detail of Sagrada Família

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