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The Daily Insight

What did Gaudi do?

Author

David Jones

Published May 16, 2026

What did Gaudi do?

He remains a pioneering figure of Art Nouveau and modernisme, or Catalan Modernism. Gaudí is best known for his intricate structures throughout Barcelona, with the storied Basílica de la Sagrada Família having become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe in the last century.

What did Gaudi create?

Antoni Gaudí

Servant of God Antoni Gaudí Cornet
NationalitySpanish
OccupationArchitect
BuildingsSagrada Família, Casa Milà, Casa Batlló
ProjectsPark Güell, Church of Colònia Güell

When did Gaudi die?

June 10, 1926
Antoni Gaudí/Date of death

Gaudí died on the 10th of June 1926 after being knocked down by a tram while making his way, as he did every evening, to the Sagrada Família from the Church of Sant Felip Neri.

How did Antoni Gaudi get started?

In 1883, the same year the Casa Vicens was completed, Gaudí began his work on the Sagrada Família in Barcelona. Through a commission in 1878 for the Workers’ Cooperative of Mataró building, Gaudí became attracted to Josefa Moreu, a teacher there, but she apparently did not return his affections.

Why did Antoni Gaudi build the Sagrada Familia?

In the middle of the 19th century, José María Bocabella, president of the Holy Brotherhood, planned to build a church in Barcelona and dedicated it to the Holy Family “Sagrada Familia”. He designed a church in the Gothic style and the work according to these plans began in 1882 with the construction of the crypt.

Why is it taking so long to build the Sagrada Familia?

Because the Sagrada Familia is only maintained with aims and donations, which makes it take much longer to build (even stop due to the lack of contributions) than if a private company or the state were to invest.

Who was Gaudi influenced by?

Leading the Spanish Modernist movement, Gaudí has been linked with Gothicism (sometimes called warped Gothicism), Art Nouveau, and Surrealism. He was also influenced by Oriental styles, nature, sculpture, and a desire to go beyond anything that had ever been done before.

How did Gaudi die?

Gaudí died while still working on the Sagrada Familia on June 10, 1926, in Barcelona, Spain. He died after getting hit by a trolley car in Barcelona, only a few weeks shy of his 74th birthday. While the structure remained unfinished at his death in 1926—only one transept with one of four towers was built—the extraordinary…

Where did Antoni Gaudi go to college?

University In 1868 Gaudí moved to Barcelona to study architecture. Before entering the University he took a preparatory course for access to the Provincial School of Architecture, where he had to pass three elective courses. He also had to pass two courses in the College of Science. Once he completed this course,…

Where was Antoni Gaudi born?

Of humble origins, Antoni Gaudí was born in Reus, Catalonia, the youngest of five children. His father was one of a long line of coppersmiths.

Leading the Spanish Modernist movement, Gaudí has been linked with Gothicism (sometimes called warped Gothicism), Art Nouveau, and Surrealism . He was also influenced by Oriental styles, nature, sculpture, and a desire to go beyond anything that had ever been done before.

Gaudí died while still working on the Sagrada Familia on June 10, 1926, in Barcelona, Spain. He died after getting hit by a trolley car in Barcelona, only a few weeks shy of his 74th birthday. While the structure remained unfinished at his death in 1926—only one transept with one of four towers was built—the extraordinary…

University In 1868 Gaudí moved to Barcelona to study architecture. Before entering the University he took a preparatory course for access to the Provincial School of Architecture, where he had to pass three elective courses. He also had to pass two courses in the College of Science. Once he completed this course,…

Of humble origins, Antoni Gaudí was born in Reus, Catalonia, the youngest of five children. His father was one of a long line of coppersmiths .