Artigas Gardens
The Artigas Gardens are one of the creations of the brilliant mother Antonio Gaudi, located in the Pyrenees, 130 km from Barcelona. To implement the project, the architect got a site with a not-so-standard lancheft - just what the master loved. When designing a garden, he tries to make maximum use of all areas, highlight the natural beauty and uniqueness of the garden.
Joan Artigas was a friend of Eusebio Guell, as both were engaged in textiles. Joan was struck by the beauty of the Park Guell and something similar he wanted to see in his possessions. Although Gaudi was busy with other orders, he responded to the request of Joan and in 1903 construction work began, lasting 7 years. Gaudi completely designed the garden, but could not manage the construction, as he was engaged in the construction of the Sagrada Familia. Nevertheless, he ostrated the garbage men and workers who built the Park of Guell. Like any other creation of the master in the gardens of Artigas, his unbridled fantasy spilled out bizarre forms and a riot of colors appeared. Artigas was never able to see the whole beauty of the garden, since he died at the very beginning of construction, so this creation was already appreciated by his heirs.
In the park, a bridge with five stone arches stands out, along the edges of which there is a man and a woman holding baskets on their heads. All stone products made of special stone, resembling wood in their texture. The garden has secluded corners like a stone grotto, a gazebo, a balcony, so that you can enjoy the beauty of the garden alone. Under the bridges, a small brook flows, rolling over the thresholds forms small waterfalls.
In 1936, a civil war began, the owners were not up to the gardens. In the 50s, the Artigas family moved to Barcelona. At this time, Gaudi's architecture and generally architectural modernism are criticized. They even offered to stop the construction of the Sagrada Familia. Artigas gardens have been forgotten for a long time. And only at the end of the 20th century, Antonio Gaudi is remembered, restorated, gardens cease to be private property and open their doors to all comers. From that moment, a pleasant place attracts people with its beautiful nature, skillful design and soothing silence.
