Gaudí Does Not Equal “Gaudy”
A well-educated English pilgrim by the name of Helen informed us two days ago that the word “gaudy” was in use long, long before the birth of Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926).
But one has to wonder if the famous Spanish architect decided for some reason to make his design style worthy of the already existent adjective! His buildings are truly “over the top” in terms of ornamentation and fantastical design.
On this Camino we’ve seen two examples of Gaudi’s work: a building next to the cathedral in Leon, and a “palacio” built for a bishop, also next to the cathedral, in Astorga. We got to spend an hour and a half in the latter.
Quite impressive.
One immediately thinks “Disneyland” when he sees the palace in Astorga. But Disney had nothing to do with it! Gaudi’s palace was designed and construction begun fully 15 years before Walt Disney was born in 1901.
The palace was built as a “parsonage” for the Roman Catholic bishop of Astorga, a friend of Gaudi’s, who was born in the same town as the architect. Unfortunately the bishop died before the building was completed. Subsequent bishops either refused to live in the palace or were denied the privilege by Gaudí.
In any case, the palace has never been occupied by anyone as a home. Nor has the gorgeous chapel/worship space it contains ever been used by any church community.
What a shame!
One other correction: I said in an earlier post that this Gaudí palace housed a chocolate museum. It does not. There is a chocolate museum in Astorga but it was closed today.
Here are a few photos of the beautiful building.
