Antoni Gaudí: 10 things you didn’t know

If you’ve ever been to Barcelona, chances are you’ve heard of the incredibly talented and influential Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí. Though he started as part of the Modernista movement, he quickly differentiated himself from the other modernist architects of the time. With his own unique style and flair, primarily rooted in his love for nature, Gaudí managed to stand out from the crowd and establish himself as one of the greatest architects of all time.

Gaudí’s style was not the only thing unique about him, however. The renowned architect was an interesting character who led a fascinating life and ultimately had a bizarre death. Here is a list of 10 noteworthy facts about the late, great, creator.

1. He preferred the organic swirling curves of nature to man-made straight lines. He rarely ever used straight lines in any of his works.

2. He was not one to skimp on adding detail to his creations—he integrated ceramics, stained glass, wrought ironwork forging and carpentry into his designs.

3. He was a vegetarian.

4. He was single his entire life.

5. He spent 40 years of his life building the Sagrada Familia, which to this day remains unfinished.

6. 8 of Gaudí’s works have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

7. He was deeply religious.

8. While Gaudí was alive many people hated his work. Some of whom included Pablo Picasso and George Orwell. Orwell called La Sagrada Familia one of the world’s most hideous buildings.

9. Gaudí didn’t like new shoes. He always gave them to his brother to wear first.

10. Gaudí was hit by a tram in 1926 at the age of 73. Because of his shabby appearance, no one recognised him as the famous architect—rather they believed him to be just another homeless man. The police finally intervened, taking him to a hospital for the poor, where he died 3 days later.

Clearly, there is more to this mastermind than meets the eye. Though Gaudí was a deeply troubled man who lacked any real personal life, he devoted himself fully to his works which are now recognised worldwide and have since brought him great professional success and notoriety.