Another unique masterpiece by Antonio Gaudi in Barcelona is a mansion built in 1885-90 especially for his friend and patron Eusebi Güell.
If you saw Palau Güell after visiting Casa Mila or Casa Batlló, it will be difficult to recognize Gaudi's hand in its appearance. However, step a little farther away and lift your head - you will see chimneys on the roof disguised as colorful turrets, and everything will immediately become clear - this really is Gaudi! Palau Güell was simply one of his earliest works, in which the architect was only beginning to develop his unique style.
The main facade of the mansion truly looks regal, strongly recalling Venetian palazzos. Two large arches with delicate wrought-iron grilles served as gates for the entry of horse-drawn carriages. Guests arriving in them stepped out already inside the building and went upstairs along beautiful staircases.
By the way, among the wrought-iron patterns decorating the arches, you can make out the patron's initials, “E” and “G”. In the middle stands a two-meter iron lantern adorned with the striped coat of arms of Catalonia, topped by a wrought-iron helmet with an eagle spreading its wings. With this symbol, Gaudi emphasized his patriotism, because he grew up in a region that in those days was desperately trying to defend its independence from Spain. Still, little has changed since then - strikes on the streets of Barcelona are an ordinary thing ;)
