Torre Bellesguard: Gaudí’s Barcelona
Modernism is the unquestionable cornerstone of Barcelona’s identity. When analysing Gaudí’s presence throughout the city, we can both ‘trace’ the architect’s influence on Catalan modernism, through various projects, and explore the most typical and characteristic buildings in Barcelona through his cultural and artistic idiosyncrasies. Today, we’re getting to know Torre Bellesguard!
One of the city’s key buildings, one of Gaudí’s most characteristic works and a particular flagship part of Barcelona, welcome to Torre Bellesguard. This particular building has a series of unique features that set it apart from the artist’s other creations and, at the same time, create a must-see destination for fans of his work, simply due to the beauty of this architectural style that has given Barcelona so much character.
One of Gaudí’s most personal works: Torre Bellesguard
Antoni Gaudí built Torre Bellesguard as a kind of homage, or at least took inspiration from, the figure of Martin of Aragon, also known as Martin the Humane, the last monarch of the Casal de Barcelona dynasty. The king lived in Bellesguard until his death in 1410 and Gaudí took full advantage of the construction of his tower, between 1900 and 1909, to restore the remains of the medieval palace located within the grounds of the estate, along with adding some of his own contributions.
Torre de Bellesguard is located halfway between Gothic and Modernism style, with a marked prominence of straight lines. This approach was hardly typical of the famous Catalan architect and artist, which is why this well-known building in Barcelona is seen as one of his most special works.
Torre Bellesguard: a place full of secrets
Gaudí’s impressive and lasting impact on Barcelona can be seen in how buildings such as Torre de Bellesguard remain so popular with tourists and visitors to the region. Without doubt, it’s one of the central pillars of any visit to Barcelona.
But the beauty of Gaudí’s work at Bellesguard has also created the perfect location for all kinds of meetings, events and conferences. The most beautiful and interesting location unlike any other normally recommended in the city.
What’s more, Bellesguard’s unique characteristics and surroundings mean specialists continue to investigate the historical significance of Barcelona’s more recent history. The story of the estate is so rich and varied that only a small part is known and Gaudí’s involvement with Bellesguard is so complex and personal that many details of its construction, purpose and very reason for existing are still to be deciphered. For that very reason, a dedicated research unit has been set up working across various disciplines to unravel the mysteries of Bellesguard.
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