A Day with Gaudí

By Aury Villalona  

While exploring Barcelona, one phrase from our tour guide stuck with me: “Nature, Religion, and Architecture were always in Gaudí’s mind.” Nowhere is that more evident than in La Sagrada Família, his most famous and ambitious work. This colossal basilica, under construction since 1882, is considered Gaudí’s masterpiece, a breathtaking fusion of Gothic tradition and modernist design. Every detail reflects his deep reverence for nature and spirituality, making it one of the most extraordinary architectural achievements in the world. 

The Sagrada Familia has 18 tall towers that go up to the sky, showing the connection between heaven and earth. There are three main façades that show different Bible stories. The Nativity façade shows the birth of Jesus Christ. The Passion façade shows important moments like the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection. The Glory façade shows the glory of God, with the final judgment and the heavenly Jerusalem. 

Inside the Sagrada Familia, it is even more surprising. The light shines through the stained-glass windows, reflecting on the floor like a rainbow. The columns are designed to look like trees, growing up toward the ceiling. The doors are made of bronze, adding a beautiful, sturdy touch to the structure. The interior, filled with light and color, enhances the spiritual atmosphere of this incredible masterpiece.   

 

Park Güell, another of Gaudi’s creations, what an amazing experience! The park is very beautiful and has many interesting things to see. One of the most famous things there is the bench that is shaped like a snake. The bench is covered with colorful tiles using a technique called "Trencadís," which means using broken pieces of ceramics to create art. I loved sitting on the bench and looking at the great view of the city. The shapes and designs of the park are also very unique. The park is full of curves and flowing lines, making it feel like a place from a fairy tale. I also noticed how the park shows the European culture of recycling, as many of the tiles and materials used in the park are repurposed items. The whole design of the park is really special, combines nature, art, and creativity in a way that I had never seen before. 

After we visited the park, we took the bus to Montjuic. From there, we had a beautiful view of Barcelona. The city looked amazing with its mix of new and old buildings, the sea far away, and the green trees around us. On the way, we passed by La Pedrera, another famous building by Gaudí. La Pedrera, also called Casa Milà, is a very unique building. The outside looks like waves, with curves and smooth shapes. The balconies have iron railings that look like tree branches. On the roof, there are strange chimneys that look like sculptures. The building is like a piece of art, combining nature and design in a special way. 

Spending the day surrounded by Gaudí’s creations was like stepping into a world where nature, faith, and imagination come to life through architecture. From the towers of La Sagrada Família to the colorful mosaics of Park Güell, every stop showed Gaudí’s unique vision and deep respect for the world around him. His work blends beauty and meaning in a way that makes you feel something deeper than just admiration, it feels like wonder. As the sun set over Barcelona and I enjoyed my first taste of paella, I realized that Gaudí didn’t just design buildings, he created experiences that stay with you long after the day ends.