#GAUDI HOUSE WINDOWS#
An important quantity of neo gothic windows in a bigger quantity in the low than in the higher plants, permit to assure a better lighting. To each angle of the four facades totally covered with blocks of of grey stone of local extraction, we find a circular tower. On this door a statue of Saint George fighting with the dragon – mentioned in the section of history – is found, that door is closed with a notable forged iron grille in which we can observe a figure of a lion surrounded by vegetable motives evoking the name of the city. The access to the building is made through a door in the centre of the main façade, this is the only place where the ditch surrounding the front and lateral façades is broken to lead to the access stairs. In the upper flats, the function of support is trusted by load walls. The structure of the building is supported by light metallic columns in the basement, permitting in this manner a more diaphanous space than was better adapted to the commercial needs that this area was devoted. Really, despite the medieval aspect of the building, Gaudí applies a modern conception of the architecture so much in the constructive aspect, as in the artistic one and of utilization. It is a rectangular building designed in a neo gothic style, but shown some very modern constructive characteristics for the period in which it was built.
#GAUDI HOUSE INSTALL#
Fortunately a new owner (Caja España – another Savings Bank), reconvert again the building to install in it its social headquarters, and carried out in the year 1994 a reform that restored the structure just as Gaudí had initially projected.įor this restoration, the architects Mariano Diaz Sáenz and Felix Compadre Díez were contracted to return to place the pillars eliminated previously, pillars that were reconstructed with the same materials used by Gaudí.ĭuring these works, a paper roll with information on the construction aspects and collaborators of the initial works were found inside the statue of San Jorge – work of Antoni Cantó and Vicenç Matamala – presiding the main entrance, what has permitted a better knowledge of these aspects. This company carried out some reforms broking the original design eliminating seven pillars of the basement. In the year 1931, the Caja de Ahorros y Monte de Piedad (a Savings Bank), acquired the building. Gaudí signed the plans of the building in December of 1891 and once surpassed the lawsuit that the owners had with the City Council, the works began January 4, 1892, directed by Claudi Alsina, and they were finished in November of the same year. Gaudí worked then in the construction of the Episcopal Palace of Astorga (close to León) and due to the proximity of both buildings, he decided to accept the assignment. Simón Fernández Fernández and Mariano Andrés Luna that had commercial relations, due to his textile business, with the count Eusebi Güell who recommended them Gaudí as architect. Information: Phone: (34) 987 292 500 – email: building was entrusted to Gaudí by the company “Fernández and Andrés” of León (Spain) – succeeding of the business founded by mister Joan Homs i Botinàs (reason why the building is known under the name of Botines) -, that company was managed by Mrs. The visits time is the same of the opening hours of Caja España.įor a more comprehensive visit is it necessary to make an appointment. Visits: That building is at present, the seat of Caja España (a savings bank) and it is possible to visit the ground floor and the basement where, eventually some exhibitions are located. To go to it from Madrid, far of 367 Km, take the N-VI road. How to go: León is the capital of the province with the same name, located in the north west of the Iberic peninsula. Present condition: Façades and interiors: Very good. Location: Plaza del Obispo Marcelo, 5 León Spain.
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