Artigas Gardens
Artigas Gardens is one of the creations of the genius designer Antonio Gaudi, located in the Pyrenees, 130 km from Barcelona. To implement the project, the architect got a plot with a not particularly standard landscape - just what the master loved. When designing a garden, he tries to maximize the use of all areas, highlight the natural beauty and uniqueness of the garden.
Joan Artigas was a friend of Eusebio Guell, as both were involved in textiles. Joan was struck by the beauty of Park Guell and he wanted to see something similar in his possessions. Although Gaudi was busy with other orders, he responded to Joan's request and in 1903 construction work began, which lasted 7 years. Gaudi fully designed the garden, but could not direct the construction, as he was engaged in the construction of the Sagrada Familia. Nevertheless, he harassed the assistants and workers who built Park Guell. Like any other creation of the master, his unrestrained imagination manifested itself in the gardens of Artigas, resulting in bizarre shapes and a riot of colors. Artigas was never able to see all the beauty of the garden, because he died at the very beginning of construction, so this creation was already appreciated by his heirs.
A bridge with five stone arches stands out in the park, flanked by a man and a woman holding baskets on their heads. All stone products are made of a special stone, with a wood-like texture. The garden has nooks and crannies like a stone grotto, gazebo, and balcony, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the garden alone. A small stream flows under the bridges, rolling over the rapids and forming small waterfalls.
In 1936, the civil War began, and the owners had no time for gardens. In the 50s, the Artigas family moved to Barcelona. At this time, Gaudi's architecture and architectural modernism in general were criticized. They even offered to stop the construction of the Sagrada Familia Church. The Artigas Gardens were forgotten for a long time. And only at the end of the 20th century, Antonio Gaudi's creation was remembered, restoration was carried out, the gardens ceased to be private property and opened their doors to everyone. From that moment on, the pleasant place attracts people with its beautiful nature, artful decoration and soothing silence.
