Paradoxically, the most “ordinary” and visually most traditional work by Antoni Gaudi was recognized as the best building in Barcelona in 1900.
The by-then famous architect built it at the request of the widow of the late industrialist Pere Calvet. Together with her sons, she wished to erect a house in which the ground floor could be occupied by shops or offices, the owners themselves would live on the second floor, and tenants would occupy the remaining levels.
And that is exactly what happened: the architect took all their wishes into account, paying special attention to the interior of the main floor, where the Calvet family actually lived. In particular, he personally designed the pattern for the floor, the ceiling, and even the wallpaper. In addition, he designed furniture that would fit this interior perfectly. It is now kept in the museum of Park Güell.
In the design of the facade, Antoni Gaudi used Baroque elements he had already tried earlier, as well as floral ornaments and various symbolic “little details.” For example, in the decor of the bay window on the main floor, you can make out mushroom caps, pointing to the owners' favorite pastime, as well as the image of a cypress, the trunk of which rests against the letter “C,” the first letter of the owner's surname, “Calvet.”
Especially attentive visitors will surely notice the cornucopia and the olive tree, as well as unusual door knockers on the entrance doors and columns resembling bobbins stacked one on top of another – a symbol of the textile production in which the Calvet family was engaged.
