Visit Torre Bellesguard was the only Gaudí work for which he had to find a client.
With the building, he created a tribute to the Middle Ages and interpreted the Gothic style in his own way.
Let's find out more!
Torre Bellesguard: article summary
What are the reasons for visiting Torre Bellesguard?
The Torre de Bellesguard is by architect Antoni Gaudí which has received little attention to date. Here you can see a number of elements perfected in his later works.
This property in the quiet district of Sant Gervasi and the special history surrounding the house have prompted Gaudí to buy the property and build a new house on the medieval ruins.
Gaudí's interpretation of the Gothic style
The Torre Bellesguard is a freestanding building with a square plan, with diagonals pointing to the four cardinal points. In honor of the apogee of Catalan Gothic, it has interpreted Gothic style in its own way.
Although there aren't many Gothic features on the building, the overall impression is one of Gothic architecture. This impression is particularly marked by the large portal with its round arch, elongated windows and facade crowned with battlements.
Gaudí has reinterpreted an essential feature of the Gothic style: he has endowed the main entrance arch with large hexagonal and octagonal tesserae. The texture of these stones contrasts strikingly with the grey-green slate of the rest of the building. Thanks to the slate stones Gaudí found on the property, he succeeded in harmoniously integrate the house into its surroundings.
What to see inside Bellesguard
The interior of the building contrasts with the dark façade. It is bright and flooded with light. The bright white of the stairwell, painted with plaster and limewash, emphasizes the forms designed by Gaudí.
While Gaudí inspired by the Gothic style for the façadeThe interior is reminiscent of Moorish and Mudejar architecture. The staircase, with its colorful wall tiles and curved arches, gives the building the atmosphere of an Andalusian palace. It's easy to see how Gaudí was impressed by this type of construction.
Linger on the roof of the building
Gaudí believed that single-family homes should have a double roof to ensure insulation from summer heat. Today's modern insulation materials were unknown back then.
The lower attic is a large room that occupies the entire floor area of the house. The roof construction is supported by eight pillars and numerous brick arches.
Why is Torre Bellesguard worth a visit?
Bellesguard is less spectacular than other buildings designed by the brilliant architect Antoni Gaudí. Nevertheless, the building is well worth a visit: it's very beautiful and, with its distinctive architecture, represents a very early work by Gaudí. I invite you to linger and enjoy the peace and quiet of the site.
What are the opening hours?
The building is open to the public:
- Tuesday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
How do I get there?
To get there, you can use :
- Visit line of bus 123 which takes you directly to the site by getting off at the Bellesguard stop.
- Visit metro L7 exit at El Putxet station
How much does it cost to visit the site?
You can visit the site thanks to :
- A guided tour that will cost you 16 € per person
- An audio guide tour for 9 € per person
A visit to Bellesguard will certainly help you to better understand Gaudí and his artistic development. Certain elements can be recognized in his later buildings in modified form. A must-see for all fans of Gaudi's work.
Leave a Reply