Is Gaudi Gaudy?

Gaudi’s influence in Barcelona extended well past the Sagrada Familia, which led to his works collectively being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We visited two of his better known sights and his home. Above is the entrance to Park Guell, which has great mosaic benches (at the top of the pillars behind us) with views of Barcelona’s skyline. This park wasn’t intended for the public, but was built as a planned urban development that failed since only two houses were sold and one was to Gaudi himself. We also toured Casa Batllo, this unusual apartment building that looks like an underwater castle from The Little Mermaid. The lack of straight lines along with the use of stained glass and mosaics were stunning from the inside as well. While the neighbors might not have been thrilled about his designs, we don’t find Gaudi gaudy.