Bellesguard Torre,
which translates into “good refuge” and “beautiful views” in Catalan, is one of
Barcelona’s best-kept architectural and historical secrets. Also known as Casa Figueres, the beautiful
modernist manor house reminiscent of an old castle is privately owned and
resided by the Guileras family. Bellesguard Torre will soon be open to the public,
as the family wants to share and educate people about the history and magic of
the mysterious building with anyone who would like to see and understand one of
Gaudi's - the famous architect responsible for creating La Pedrera, Casa Batllo and Parc Guell to name a few of his most celebrated works - most personal works.
The building will open to the public for the first time on August 1 for Gaudi Nights. For 20 Euros, you will be able to choose to enjoy either an evening in the gardens with either live violinists and champagne or a chill-out DJ music night with mojitos. For more information or to reserve your tickets in advance by calling 34 646 800 127 or by emailing Bellesguard here. Bellesguard will be providing information about tours and bookings very soon on their facebook page as well as their inauguration on the 17th of September which will be attended by the Mayor of Barcelona, Xavier Trias.
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| Learn about the historical symbolism throughout the house |
Cousins Anna Guilera, Pol Gago and Carles Salillas are heading the mission to open Bellesguard as a family and personal affair. Anna, who has a degree in Journalism at the University Ramon Llul and a Masters in Creative Documentery at IDEC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra is in charge of image and audiovisual. Pol, who is studying Journalism and specializing in Political Press also at Ramon Llul's University, is in charge of coordinating the social media efforts for the opening. Pol is working hard 24 hours per day doing whatever needs to be done. They have assembled teams of expert architects, engineers, and historians to help discover Bellesguard’s lost secrets and prepare for the opening.The Guileras family realized the significance of the building in 2009 when the cross-tower of the building was almost destroyed when a bomb exploded near their home in 2009. The Guileras undertook the entire cost of salvaging the building. It was at that time that the family realized they have something truly special they want to share with the world and no longer wanted to take their special gift for granted. According to Pol, working with family is incredibly easy because they are not strangers trying to collaborate. Since they know each other and how they like for things to be done, they can always ask for help and are able to handle any situation perfectly and smoothly.
This striking building is celebrated in the architectural
community as it is one of the perfectionist Gaudi’s only unfinished works – you
can see in the bones of the building Gaudi’s vision and creative process. It is
one of Gaudi’s only buildings with straight lines and is another example of
Gaudi’s creative adaptability. Bellesguard reflects the history of the era the
home was built – the cigar room in the home was a meeting place for some of the
best minds of the early twentieth century. The unfinished music room gives insight
into Gaudi’s genius mind and shows how he has considered the importance of
wonderful acoustics in its design. It is also a tribute to the past kings that
reside there. |
| Bellesguard has magical properties and the lighting outdoors changes the colours of the house |
The tour will show how the use of the building has changed
over the years from a family home, to an orphanage during the Spanish Civil
War, to a hospital during the 1940s, and reconverted into a family home. This
is Gaudi’s only work in which he was granted absolute freedom in creativity in
his work, which is why it is considered to be one of his most important works.
Gaudi recognized the historic importance of the building site and constructed a
building, which pays tribute to the history of the land and Catalonia inside
the house and around the gardens. The tour will teach you more about Gaudi’s
vision as well as explain how he connected the present and past through the
symbolism throughout the property.
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| Champagne in the Garden of Bellesguard |
You will learn about the geographical and historical
significance of the land and some of the great people who have lived there. You
will learn why in 1408, Martin I the Humane, the King of Aragon, Valencia,
Majorca, Sardinia and Sicily and Count of Barcelona fell in love with the land
and what was going on in Catalonia during his era as well as see remnants of
the stone wall he erected.
The tour will educate you about the many changes in
ownership the property undertook until Maria Sagués, widow of Jaume Figueres commissioned
Gaudi to build Bellesguard in 1900.
Bellesguard entered the hands of current family in 1945,
when Luis Guilera Molas bought the property to create the first modern hospital
in Catalonia treat breast cancer with radiation therapy. Molas studied and collaborated
with the leaders of modern medicine – you will see original photographs of him
alongside the Curie family in Germany. You will also see the original operating
table as well as patient notes, photographs and microscopic slides which are
preserved inside the house. The house was then passed to his eldest son, Luis
Guilera Soler, also a doctor, but was reconverted into a family home and the
property was divided between family members.
The details about price and availability about the tours open to the public will be finalized and information will be communicated on Bellesguard Torres' Facebook page. The tour will take
you through the gardens, the smoking room, the acoustics room as well as the
many terraces, which offer 360° views of Barcelona and
Tibidabo. You will be transported through history up until modern times and
see different areas in the house preserved in their rightful uses as well as
learn about the many small and significant details and techniques Gaudi used
during construction.
Contact Bellesguard Bookings for tickets to Gaudi Nights.
For more information, contact Bellesguard Gaudi or call 34 646 800 127.
Contact marketing@barcelona-sir.com for more information about the blog.
Article by Roberta Lindal, photographs provided by Torre Bellesguard.
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