Antoni Gaudi i Cornet

On June 25, 1852, a man was born who would wow the world with his unconventional, artistic architectural masterpieces. Antoni Gaudí i Cornet was most likely born in Camp de Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain. His parents were Francesc Gaudí Serra, a coppersmith, and Antonia Cornet Bertran. Throughout his 73 years he gained increasing recognition for his magnificent work.
As a child, he was diagnosed with rheumatism, which meant he had an exceptionally weak immune system and sensitive locomotive system (which includes joints, muscles, connective tissues, soft tissues around the joints and bones). Doctors suggested that he convert to a vegetarian diet and get fresh air whenever possible. Due to this unfortunate illness, he often watch his friend play from his bedroom window. The pain was often so severe, he remained at home, but occasionally when he wanted to get out, he would ride on a donkey. In the hours while his peers attended school, young Antoni sat observing nature. He was fascinated by colors and designs. These interests were reflected in his early drawings and works of art.
Beginning in preschool, Gaudí baffled people with his natural intellect and ability to question things. While sitting in their rooftop classroom, his teacher, Francesc Berenguer, began teaching the students that birds had wings for flying. Immediately, Antoni challenged her, saying that his chickens had wings, but never flew. Instead they used their wings to help them run faster. Gaudí was an independent thinker from the start.
His strong Catholic beliefs began when he was eleven and attended a Catholic school. The school was located in the ancient convent of Saint Francesc Xavier. Not necessarily having been raised Catholic, Antoni began praying an...

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...e church. I will grow old but others will come after me. What must always be conserved is the spirit of the work, but its life has to depend on the generations it is handed down to and with whom it lives and is incarnated.” Gaudí dedicated 43 years creating La Sagrada Familia before his unfortunate fatal tram accident. He died in 1926 at the age of 73.
The completion of the church fell to Gaudí’s associates who had been working with him over the years. The work was halted by the Spanish Civil War in 1936 and resumed in 1939. It has been worked on sporadically ever since. The Construction Board of La Sagrada Familia Foundation is responsible for managing the completion of this project.
Antoni Gaudí remains one of Spain’s most recognized architects. His unique style and revolutionary designs inspired the industry. His work delights tourists from around the world.