Lesser known Gaudi works

Lesser known Gaudi works

In December 1881 electric lighting was established with 15 streetlights Barcelona on Paseo de Colon being turned on. The Spanish Electricity Company had collaborated with engineer Thomas J. Dalmau. However just a year before, Joseph Sarramalera Aleu, engineer and director of an industrial company, had presented another project to the Spanish Electric Company, a most ambitious and comprehensive plan, which was never done.

Lesser known Gaudi works

Plaza Real is one of the monst popular places to go for a drink or some tapas as not only is it stunning architecturally, centrally located in the heart of the city but it also has a massive amount of history behind it. As Gaudi's work goes it is incredibly understated but it is often forgotten that he designed the lamposts.

Indeed they are not a integral part of the square, but as lamposts go they are very interesting, however there are many other reasons why you should visit Plaza Real, if not for the restaurants, nightclubs or bars. The lamposts were the first works Antonio Gaudi was comissioned to do and each one has a plaque on the floor with his name on it. On a sunny day this square is such a great place to have a bite to eat or sit on the fountain, and being literally on the ramblas you have no reason not to visit.

Lesser known Gaudi works

Barcelona, the lucky city which is being embellished  by Gaudi´s works, holds piece of art nearly in each corner. Apart from the marvellous buildings and parks, Gaudi had designed street lamps. They are located in Pla de Palau and Plaça Reial which are the main points of a touristic route. Those street lights, designed by Gaudi after a commision from City of Barcelona had made a request. He designed them in late 1890s.

Gaudi had designed 2 models, one is with three arms which is now in Pla de Palau and the other one is in the Plaça Reial with 6 arms.

Both lights you will see for sure during your visit to Barcelona for sure but you have to pay attention to recognize them. Most people pass by them and don´t know that they are Gaudi´s desgins. Just stop for a minute and see how beautifully they are made. 

Lesser known Gaudi works

Pabellones de la Finca Güell (Güell Pavilions') were formerly located on the outskirts of the city, the property is now situated on the Avinguda Pedralbes 7. The construction was ordered by the industrialist Eusebi Güell, this began the long-time cooperation between the two. Gaudí designed a gatehouse, a horse stable, and the enclosure wall of the existing Finca Güell. This farm was purchased by the father of the industrialist in 1860. On the spacious wooded area was already a house from the mid-19th Century. After the death of his son Güell donated the property to the city of Barcelona.

The gatehouse consists of a single octagonal level topped with a cupola, which is connected to two quadratic buildings located on the left to the main entrance. The stables, on the right, form a long rectangle, which is characterized by its parabolic arches and a cupola. Both pavilions fit directly into the enclosing wall. The most famous part is probably the  main, iron gate. It is considered to be a masterpiece of metalworking and forms a dragon with wide opened mouth and spread wings. The threatening effect that is intensified by a complicated mechanism: by the opening of the gate, the jaws of the dragon move.

Lesser known Gaudi works

Casa Calvet, which construction Gaudí began in 1898, was quite a challenge for the architect - mainly because the building had to be fit into a row of already existing buildings. House served different purposes - the cellars and ground floor were occupied by stores and offices, the higher floors - eight individual flats.

To fulfill his task,Gaudí constructed a very simple building with nearly symmetrical profile. Only in the upper parts he expressed his creativity - from the top of the house three martyrs are "watching" the passers-by (ther is also a practical lift for pulling up furniture). In comparison with neighboring large and simple houses Casa Calvet seems to be much larger. Architect received such an effect by the top frame and many round balconies.