It’s hard to think about the history of mosaics without mentioning the name Antoni Gaudì.

Not just a renowned Spanish architect of the early 20th century, Gaudì was also a born artist. His distinctive style has long been an integral part of Barcelona’s culture and design.

The architectural genius behind the iconic Sagrada Família, Gaudì had an eye for beauty,

Throughout Barcelona, countless Gaudì mosaics can be found. Each one seems more breathtaking and imaginative than the other. Let’s learn a little more about the man and some of his outstanding designs.

The beginning…

The most logical place to start as we delve into the story of the man behind the mosaics. Antoni Gaudí was born in 1852 in Catalonia on the Mediterranean coast of Spain.

The son of a coppersmith, he attended school in Barcelona, taking an early interest in architecture. He would later go on to graduate from the Provincial School of Architecture in 1978.

Gaudí’s trencar mosaic technique

Mosaic design would not be the same without Gaudí and his special technique known as ‘trencar’.

This particular technique is still used today by artists across the globe. Trencar involves creating mosaic shapes by combining broken pieces of tile from items like ceramic tiles, plates and cups. Gaudì first used this method when decorating the Fincas Güell – the estate of which belonged to the patron, Eusebi Güell.

Let’s take a look at some of Gaudì’s most famous mosaic works…

Park Güell

Opening in 1926, the Park Güell is one of Gaudi’s most beautiful designs, full of colourful mosaics. Inside, Gaudì was able to bring his ideas of creating colourful organic shapes and displays to life.

Gaudì mosaics are on display across the park, including fountains, benches, columns, spires. Each is decorated with a kaleidoscope of bright colourful glass and ceramic mosaic tiles.

Gaudi’s enchanting Park Güell includes the fairy garden, crypt of the Colonia Güell and Güell Palace. Two of the standout pieces of the park are the fabulous multicoloured balcony and giant salamander located at the entrance.

A perfect place for a stroll, the Park Güell is a must-see for tourists visiting Baracleona. Be sure to embrace this true garden of mosaic art.

Church of Colònia Güell

Along with the Park Güell and Fincas Güell, Gaudì commissioned another piece dedicated to Güell – the Church of Colònia Güell. The church was created for workers at Güell’s textile factory, intended to blend with the workers’ homes and surrounding nature.

Crafted from basaltic stone, the church displays segments of colourful mosaic patterns. Much like Gaudì’s iconic Sagrada Familia, it showcases a wonderful contrast of natural materials and colours.

El Capricho de Gaudí

El Chaprico was one of the few artworks Gaudì commissioned outside of his native Barcelona. Gaudì experimented with art styles inspired by the Orient early in his career. He designed this particular building for Máximo Díaz de Quijano, which was used as a summer home.

The colour scheme of this design differs to that of Gaudì’s more traditional works. The name ‘el chaprico’ comes from the freestyle music from that period. Gaudì chose to decorate the home with joyful colours (red and green) choosing sunflowers as the villa’s main motif.

One thing is for sure, Barcelona wouldn’t be the same without the genius of Antoni Gaudì. So if you’re ever visiting the fabled Catalan city, be sure to check out these wonderful Gaudì mosaics!