Gaudi Architecture

Second only to the soccer team I would venture to say that Barcelona is most associated with the work of artist/architect Gaudi. We viewed the Casa…. from the sidewalk and entered the Casa Mila. Gaudi’s work was inspired by shapes and forms found in nature. Objects such as bones, pine cones, turtle shells, tree branches etc. were influential in his designs. I laughed a bit an American tourist’s observation that it was like “willy wonka and the chocolate factory.” The structures are fantastic and dont feel authentic. The fact that they have become tourist attractions, complete with entrance fee, further casts them in the light of spectacle rather than functional architecture. It was suggested this would be the best part of Barcelona. I was underwhelmed. Gaudi’s stuff was cool but didn’t take my breathe away (that would happen later in the trip).