Teachers booking educational trips overseas for their art students should look at the benefits of going to Barcelona, home to some stunning examples of architecture courtesy of designer Antoni Gaudi.
By heading off to Spain and spending some time in Barcelona – the country’s second largest city – your students could well have a very illuminating experience and come away fully prepared for their next big art exam.
Once they reach the destination, they will find many examples of beautiful gothic Catalan architecture in Barcelona, with some of the city’s treasures including unique modernist works by Gaudi – such as his astounding Sagrada Familia Cathedral.
This stunning church is, no doubt, one of his most famous works and is undoubtedly one of the most recognised symbols of the metropolis itself.
Work was started on the cathedral by architect Francisco de Paula del Villar in 1882, but was then taken up by Gaudi in 1883, who stayed on the project until his death in 1926.
Christian symbolism is very strongly evident in the church. The 18 bell towers represent Jesus, the four evangelists, the 12 apostles and the Virgin Mary. The church’s three facades represent the human life of Jesus, marking his birth to his death, while the interior of the building – symbolic of Jerusalem – is home to a series of columns that represent the apostles once again.
You should also make sure you include a visit to the Gaudi House Museum on your study tour travel itinerary. This gallery – set up after his death in 1926 – is dedicated to showcasing the architect’s works.
It originally opened to the public back in 1963, with exhibits including documents and objects relating to the artist, as well as examples of furniture designed by Gaudi.
Guell Park would also certainly be worth a visit, as this is where many more of the architect’s works can be found. Here, you will discover a fantastical world filled with stunning mosaic dragons and mushroom-shaped pavilions, as well as other architectural curios.
In addition, Casa Batllo, a prominent feature in the modernist architecture of Barcelona that was built between 1904 and 1906, is a great place to head to.
Much like the cathedral, its face has become one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. The building is now home to a set of works by some of the most famous architects in the world.