Antoni Gaudí: the tragic death of the genius who transformed Barcelona

2026-06-10

Antoni Gaudí is recognized worldwide as the master of Catalan Modernism and the architect behind the Sagrada Família Basilica. However, despite his current fame, the end of his life was marked by a sad and ironic story. Recently, the world remembered the 100th anniversary of the death of this artist who forever changed Spain's urban landscape.

The accident that took Gaudí's life happened in June 1926, while he was walking through the streets of Barcelona. The architect, who was 73 at the time, was struck by a tram. At that time, he lived very simply and was dedicated almost exclusively to his religious work, which was reflected in his personal appearance.

Because of his old clothes and lack of documents, the people who witnessed the accident did not recognize him. Gaudí was mistaken for a beggar and, according to historical accounts, had difficulty receiving immediate help. Some taxi drivers even refused to transport the injured man to a hospital, believing he could not pay for the service.

When he was finally taken to a hospital for the poor, his health condition was already critical. His true identity was only discovered some time later, when the chaplain of the Sagrada Família visited him and recognized the famous architect. Unfortunately, Gaudí did not survive his injuries and passed away three days after the accident.

The news of his death shocked the city of Barcelona, and thousands of people attended his funeral to pay their last respects. Today, the Sagrada Família remains under construction and attracts millions of tourists every year. On the centenary of his passing, special masses and events celebrate the legacy of a man who died as a stranger but left an eternal mark on the history of art.