Yesterday’s wanderings took me by Palau Guell, or “Guell Palace,” just off La Rambla, so I decided to duck in for a tour. Built by Antoni Gaudi in the late 19th century for his friend and patron, the Catalan industrialist Eusebi Guell, the building is an impressive example of Modernista architecture and one of many Gaudi works in the city.
My favorite part of the building is the rooftop terrace, which offers spectacular views from its undulating surface. It also features twenty chimneys, no two of which are alike: each a work of art of its own. At once fanciful and practical, which is my overall impression of Gaudi’s style.
Facade of Palau Guell
Bricks made of wood.
Bricks made of wood.
Stalls for the horses in the basement.
A circular ramp leading up from the basement.
A circular ramp leading up from the basement.
The main entry staircase.
The main entry staircase.
Stained glass window at the top of the main staircase; the Catalan flag.
The staircase up to the main living floor.
One of the many ornate ceilings.
A built-in bench designed by Gaudi himself.
Detail of a built-in bench designed by Gaudi himself.
The Gaudi crest in stained glass.
A panel from the stained glass in the Hall of Intimates.
A panel from the stained glass in the Hall of Intimates.
The dining room.
One of the many ornate ceilings.
One of the many ornate ceilings.
A control panel for the organ.
A fireplace in the master bedroom.
View from the roof with two chimneys visible.
One of the 20 different chimneys on the roof.
Gaudi’s own Sagrada Familia Cathedral, as seen from the roof of Palau Guell.
One of the 20 different chimneys on the roof.
One of the 20 different chimneys on the roof.
Facade of Palau Guell
Thanks for the photos. The chimneys are terrific.
Captions!! Thanks Hugh!! Great pix!!