Quick Biography Of Antoni Gaudi
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT ANTONI GAUDI TO UNDERSTAND HIS WORKS
The biography of Antoni Gaudi is full of interesting stories, bright moments and inspirational creations. If he hadn’t been working in Barcelona, the city wouldn’t be what it’s now. His architecture, way beyond his time, attracts people from all over the world and make the city a standout as something unique and different from any other city in Europe.
Here is the life of Antoni Gaudi in 5 crucial dates:
1
1852
The life of Antoni Gaudi starts on a June 25 1852, when he’s born in Riudoms (and baptized in Reus), a rural area south of Barcelona and near Tarragona. His father is a craftsman that works with rough iron making cauldrons and instruments to distillate local liquors.
Antoni Gaudi childhood will be often spent visiting the workshop of the other craftsmen in town as well as taking long walks around nature. Both things were going to the strong influences on Antoni Gaudi works later on as an architect.
2
1878
A very important year in the life Antoni Gaudi, he finishes his studies of architecture in Barcelona, were his style was starting to stand out as something really different from what any other student was doing. It is said that in his graduation ceremony, Elies Rogent, the dean of the faculty, told him that day:
We have given this academic title to either a fool or a genius. Time will show
That same year, during the Paris World Fair, Anthony Gaudi would meet the count Eusebi Güell, who would become his patron and strong supporter.
3
1883
A turning point in Antoni Gaudi biography. After architect Francesc de Paula Villar quits building a church for the Association of Devotees of Saint Joseph, Gaudi is appointed to continue the construction works. He is going to change the project completely, and this church will become the work of his life: the now infamous Sagrada Familia.
4
1915
The reason of his solitude is one of the little known facts about Antoni Gaudi. The truth is that friends and family die in the early 1910s, and the life of Antoni Gaudi gets lonelier. Plus after his disagreements with the Milà family during the construction of la Pedrera, the Barcelona high society is reluctant to hire him again.
Antoni Gaudi decides to devote himself exclusively to the construction of the Sagrada Familia, refusing to take any other project, and only finishing whatever he had already started.
5
1926
The life of Antoni Gaudi was over on a June 10, 1926. 3 days earlier he was hit by a tramway on his way to one of his favorite church: St. Philip Neri. Being modestly dressed, he’s mistaken by a beggar and he’s taken to a hospital for poor people. When he’s finally recognized, it’s already too late…
Gaudí left us half a dozen of impressive masterpieces and several minor. His innovative construction techniques and his creative use of tiles and other decoration materials set a path that would take a hundred years before the next generations of architects and artists would be ready to fully understand them.
If you are interested in learning more about the architect, don’t miss our tour of the works and biography of Antoni Gaudi.
AND BONUS! The date that is meant to remind everyone of Gaudi beyond his death!
6
2026
Hopefully this date will become memorable, as the Sagrada Familia Church is scheduled to be completed to coincide with the celebration of the 100 anniversary of Antoni Gaudi’s death. Only 150 years would have been needed, despite during the life of Antoni Gaudi he calculated we’d need 200. We are ahead of schedule!
Just take into account that when they talk about “completion” they are only talking about the architectural part of the project. Relevant decoration pieces such as the sculptures of the Glory façade, and probably also the bridge over Mallorca street and the staircase to access the main entrance will still be missing.
What are your favorite favorite facts about Antoni Gaudi?
Marta
Marta is the founder of ForeverBarcelona. She is a passionate tour guide that loves Barcelona and loves writing too. She is the main author of our Blog, and is committed to sharing her knowledge about Barcelona and her best tips with our readers.
RESEARCHING FOR A TRIP IS TIME-CONSUMING...
Need more inspiration?
Our 100% FREE Barcelona Collection will give you everything you need to organize the trip of your lifetime to Barcelona.
BEST INSIDER TIPS FROM THE PROS!
MORE BARCELONA TIPS FOR YOU:
SHARE WITH YOUR TRAVEL MATES
