Palau Güell is a colourful and unusual residential building in Barcelona. It is located in the city centre, just off the famous Rambla, on Carrer Nou de la Rambla. It is easy to get here: the Liceu metro station of the third line is nearby, as well as a bus stop.
History of creation
The palace owes its creation to two people: Eusebi Güell and Antoni Gaudí. It is the first building that the architect Gaudi built for his client and patron. The work began in 1885 and lasted 5 years. At that time, Gaudi was an architect unknown to anyone in Barcelona. Therefore, Güell took a big risk when he decided to order a house for his family. The end result was a cosy dwelling and at the same time a place for festive receptions.
The choice of the site of the future building is unusual. The neighbourhood of El Raval was poor and disadvantaged. But Güell wanted his new residence to be adjacent to his father's house. Gaudí even built a passage between the two buildings.
The palace was to be located on a narrow street. The architect had little room to spread out. Nevertheless, Gaudi was able to arrange the architectural elements in such a way that the building did not look overloaded.
Officially the construction of the house was completed in 1888. But work on the interior decoration of the premises was carried out until 1890. There is a legend about the completion of construction and about the master's impression of his masterpiece. Once a certain person passed by the new palace and exclaimed: "What a magnificent building!". Hearing this, Gaudi said: "I like it better like this."
Architecture
Gaudi divided the front façade into three parts. In the centre of the lower part, two carved arches catch the eye. In them are located iron wrought iron gates. Here noble guests in carriages entered the house of Güell. The intricate ornamentation of the gates made a strong impression. Between the arches there is an unusual coat of arms. On it a rod framed by four stripes, the symbol of Catalonia, is crowned by a luxurious knight's helmet, a symbol of courage. And above them hovers an eagle, as a sign of victory and the favour of heaven.
On the second tier is a projecting gallery. There are many windows here, framed by columns.
The third tier is covered with grey marble, which was quarried in the vicinity of Barcelona. The tier itself is kept in austere colours. The only decoration of the tier is the balustrade on top.
Roofs are a special place of the master's work. Gaudi tried to bring here unusual elements. Here the architect made chimney pipes in the form of unique multi-coloured turrets. As a result, the roof became like a fairy-tale village of little fairies.
In general, the facade of the building is made in the style of Venetian palaces. Here austerity neighbours with the elegance of columns and carved lattices. The coat of arms in the centre represents wealth, courage and power of the owner. The appearance of the palace attracts the attention of everyone who passes nearby.
Interior decoration
Photo: Takahiro Hayashi. Source: Flickr
In contrast to the austerity of the facade, the interiors are striking in their opulence and splendour. The central hall extends over all the floors. It is crowned by a dome with small windows. This gives the impression of a starry night sky. Around it, like planets around the sun, are the other rooms of the house. The central hall was intended for ceremonial receptions and conversations. Here they listened to music, organised dinner parties and dinners. For the living room Güell specially ordered an organ.
Of particular note in the hall are the elegantly inlaid double doors. Behind them was the home chapel, which was destroyed during the Civil War.
A special attention should be paid to the double doors in the hall.
In the basement of the palace there were stables. It was accessible immediately after entering the arched gates of the castle. While the servants started the horses, the guests climbed the stairs to the palace itself. Also in the basement you can see unusual columns in the shape of mushrooms. Gaudi's usual desire to portray the beauty of nature and life in stone is reflected here.
Above the basement were various outbuildings, as well as a carriage garage. Above these, in turn, were the library and the study of Güell himself.
A wide staircase led to the main halls. On the ground floor were the entrance hall, guest rooms, workshop, billiard room, and smoking rooms. It is also where the transition from Güell's palace to his parents' house is located.
Above the central hall, a special room is equipped. In it, an orchestra played for the industrialist's guests on feast days.
There is a special room above the central hall.
On the floor above there are the bedrooms of the owners of the house, a nursery, a living room, a bathroom.
In the attic, as well as on the ground floor, are a variety of household rooms.
Because of the abundance of windows, all rooms of the palace are filled with light. Each room is decorated with frescoes, paintings and stained glass. Passages between the halls are framed carved, richly decorated arches. This luxury of the interiors is contrasted with the external modesty and austerity of the facade of the building.
Fate of the palace
After its opening, Güell hosted many famous people in its new home: kings, presidents, artists. Many came to Barcelona in 1888 for the World's Fair and, of course, could not help but visit such an extraordinary building.
After the 1936 revolution, the palace was confiscated by the Republicans. During the Civil War of 1936-1939 it was a prison. After the final victory of the Francists, the building was handed over to Güell's heirs, primarily his daughter.
In 1944, the palace was purchased by the Barcelona City Council.
In 1984, UNESCO declared the Palacio Güell a World Cultural Heritage Site.
Barcelona has been attracting visitors from all over the world for many years. Here, beautiful beaches are neighboured by architectural monuments. And one of the diamonds in the city's crown is the Güell Palace. For more than a century, people passing by stop to look at the carved gates and the unusual coat of arms adorning the facade, the fabulous roof. This is one of Antoni Gaudi's first works. It was here that his inimitable style was honed. Eusebi Güell entrusted him with the construction of his house. Perhaps this is what made Gaudi the man who made Barcelona world famous.
