Sweet Odyssey: Antoni Gaudi's Work in Barcelona

Another interesting thing about Barcelona is the people there worship Antoni Gaudi, a famous architect well known for his unique and distinguished designs. His buildings are everywhere around Barcelona. And it's not surprising really, I went into one of his building, Casa Mila (also known as La Pedrera), and was very amazed with what I saw. I don't think I had ever seen something like that before. In his time he already thought about ergonomic designs and use of nature forms in his creations.

I also went to the unfinished church, La Sagrada Familia. I had not seen a church with the kind of details presented there and I think it's definitely the most exceptional building in Barcelona. The outside area was in a better shape than the inside but the church is practically still under construction. Looking at workers working around the church, I had to agree with one of my friend's comment that it was a very historical moment and that when it's completed and we're still around we could tell our kids that we were there when it's being built.

The last Gaudi's work I visited was Park Guell. Park Guell, a UNESCO Heritage Site, is a park with a unique designs of architecture. There is not much activities you can do there apart from strolling around, looking at the building structures and designs in the park and sitting on the long and wavy bench with a very vibrant and colourful ceramic designs. Park Guell is also a great place to view Barcelona from high up towards the sea. In short period of time, I became one of those people in Barcelona who admire him and his creations.

Travel tips:

1. When in Barcelona, it's worth visiting Gaudi's Casa Mila, La Sagrada Familia, and Park Guell. If you haven't seen any of Gaudi's buildings before, then it's good to start with Casa Mila. There you will find a museum explaining his works and the roof terrace is just breathtaking. You have to pay to get into the first two buildings but it's free admission to Park Guell except for the Gaudi's house located inside the park. Another building worth going into is probably Casa Batllo. I only took photos of the building from outside. Click here to see list of Gaudi's buildings.

2. Nearest metro station to Casa Mila is Passeig de Gracia - Green Line, L3.

3. Nearest metro station to La Sagrada Familia is Sagrada Familia - Blue Line, L5 and Purple Line, L2.

4. The best way to get to Park Guell is to take bus no 24 and it will take you up the hill and stop in front of the park. You can catch this bus from Placa the Catalunya and let the bus driver know to tell you where to stop. If you take metro (Lesseps - Green Line, L3), you will have to walk up the hill.