Casa Vicens

On this last day in Barcelona (April 8th), we spent way too much time at El Cortes Ingles--nevermind...--and enjoyed Park Guell again. But the real find of the day, due to Vicki's keen eyes, was Gaudi's 1883 Casa Vicens, his first major work, whose characteristic chimneys she spotted on our walk, a few blocks away over the urban horizon. It is a private residence--on the market in 2007 for 27MM euros--so all one can do is walk around and gawk. We did, as did many others who were on the Ruta Gaudi. It's Moorish-influenced, designed before Gaudi discarded his T-square (as Vicki observed), but again one can see where this guy was going, especially with an unlimited budget. Apparently Vicens was a brick and tile magnate. Or a broker.