Passeig de Gràcia 92,
Diagonal

Gaudí's curvaceous Eixample apartment block (1905) was nicknamed "The Quarry" because of its famous rock-face facade. This was to be the master's last private commission, his next attentions turning exclusively to the Sagrada Familia.

Impressive as La Pedrera is, Gaudí had other plans. Originally he intended this amazing building to be a mere plinth on which would stand the crowning glory of his spiritual career; a massive 40 foot statue 'The Virgin of Grace'. It's been suggested that the Robert Memorial on Plaça de Tetuan (on which Gaudí is thought to have collaborated) may have been the visual test-bed for this colossal act of devotion.

However, anti-religious feelings were stirring. Gaudí's patrons, the wealthy Mila family, decided to wimp out on the idea and so it was cancelled. They just didn't feel it good P.R. to wack up a huge image of the Virgin Mary at a time that the rabble were busy setting fire to convents. Poor Gaudí was not happy. When the new building met with the derision of the public, coupled with the displeasure of his patrons, he subsequently buried himself in the very personal project of the Sagrada Familia. He took no further commercial commissions.

contributor: Nigel Hayler