Spain/My Fantastic Encounter with Gaudi: A Pilgrimage to Barcelona Architecture

When I strolled in Barcelona, the heart of Catalonia, Spain, a city full of Gaudi's fantasy, I felt like I was at the intersection of fairy tales and architectural art. This time, I came to four landmarks that represent the soul of Barcelona: Park Güell, Casa del Tello, Casa Milà, and the unfinished dream, the Sagrada Familia. Let me take you on this Gaudi journey in the first person. 🌿 Park Güell Coordinates: Carrer d’Olot, 08024 Barcelona As soon as I walked into Park Güell, I seemed to fall into a fantasy wonderland made up of colors, curves and ceramic mosaics. This park was originally a residential development designed by Gaudi for the wealthy businessman Güell, and eventually became a recreational paradise for citizens. Walking on the winding trail, I saw with my own eyes the "Lizard Fountain" that appeared on countless postcards, as well as the wavy benches covered with colorful tiles. From here, you can overlook the entire Barcelona and the Mediterranean Sea, with an unbeatable view. • ⏰ Opening hours: 08:00–21:30 (may be earlier or later during peak season) • 🎟️ Tickets: 10 euros (adults), it is recommended to buy tickets online to avoid queuing • 🚇 Transportation: Take the L3 subway line to Lesseps Station and walk for about 15 minutes Nearby food recommendations: • Casa Vincens Café: Spanish breakfast and light meals, with Gaudi-style interior design. • La Panxa del Bisbe: Local tavern style, seafood stew and tapas are recommended. 🏡 Casa Vicens Location: Carrer de les Carolines, 20-26, 08012 Barcelona This is Gaudi's first large-scale architectural work. As soon as I stepped into this mansion that combines Moorish and Oriental styles, I felt his early creative energy: green and white tiles, cast iron balconies, and the chimney design on the roof is like a dream. Behind every window is the ultimate pursuit of details. It is a pilgrimage site that architecture fans cannot miss. • ⏰ Opening hours: 09:30–20:00 • 🎟️ Tickets: 18 euros (adults) • 🚇 Transportation: Metro L3 to Fontana Station, walk about 5 minutes Nearby food recommendations: • Blavis Bistro: A hidden version of a small restaurant, frequented by Spanish locals, it is best to make an appointment. • Pastisseria Hofmann: A paradise for dessert lovers, lemon cake and croissants are recommended. 🌀 Casa Milà / La Pedrera Coordinates: Passeig de Gràcia, 92, 08008 Barcelona The Casa Milà, with its undulating stone walls and fantastic balcony railings, is unforgettable at first sight. I walked into the building, looking up at the naturally lit patio and streamlined staircase, and the thought that "Gaudi is really not from Earth" emerged in my mind. The chimney on the roof looks like a samurai mask and is one of the most worthwhile night tour attractions in Barcelona. • ⏰ Opening hours: 09:00–20:30 (night tour 20:30–23:00) • 🎟️ Tickets: 25 euros (adults); night tour 38 euros • 🚇 Transportation: Metro Line L3, L5 to Diagonal Station, and you will see it when you exit the station Nearby food recommendations: • El Nacional: A large food space that combines many Spanish regional cuisines • Cerveseria Catalana: A popular tapas restaurant, grilled octopus and potato croquettes are recommended ⛪ Sagrada Família Coordinates: Carrer de Mallorca, 401, 08013 Barcelona This church, which took a century to build and is still unfinished, really makes me stand in awe. Gaudi's concept integrates nature, religion and architecture. Standing under the outer wall and looking up at the symbolic carvings, the forest-like pillars inside support the towering dome, and the stained glass sprinkles holy light, which makes me almost breathless. • ⏰ Opening hours: 09:00–20:00 • 🎟️ Tickets: 26 euros (including guided tours and towers) • 🚇 Transportation: Metro Line L2 and L5 to Sagrada Família Station, just outside the station Nearby food recommendations: • La Paradeta Sagrada Família: Seafood cooked to order, high CP value • El Tastet de l’Artur: A warm family restaurant, recommended stewed oxtail and handmade desserts Reminder 📌 • It is recommended to book tickets online for all Gaudi attractions, and the queue on site may be long. • If you love architecture and photography, be sure to bring a camera, the light and architectural details of Barcelona are worth capturing carefully. • The sun is strong in summer, so remember to wear sunscreen, bring water, and wear comfortable shoes. Coming to Barcelona is not just about seeing the architecture, it is about talking to a genius. In a city, you can hear the stones, curves, and colorful tiles sing the poetry of art and dreams. When I walked out of the Sagrada Familia, there was only one sentence left in my mind: "This city is really alive."