Antoni Gaudí's Diet: The Vegetarian Lifestyle Behind the Genius

The modernist architect followed a strict naturist diet of vegetables and nuts to manage chronic health issues.

Generic image of a simple Mediterranean diet with fruit, nuts, and olive oil.
IA

Generic image of a simple Mediterranean diet with fruit, nuts, and olive oil.

Architect Antoni Gaudí followed an austere vegetarian diet in Barcelona, driven by chronic health struggles and a deep spiritual commitment to a natural lifestyle.

Suffering from rheumatism since his youth, Gaudí turned to natural medicine and the teachings of German physician Sebastian Kneipp. By the age of 40, he had fully embraced a vegetarian lifestyle, believing that a simple diet without meat or fish kept his mind sharp for his artistic endeavors.
His daily meals typically consisted of raw lettuce or endive with olive oil, nuts such as hazelnuts and almonds, and fresh fruit. He avoided heavy seasonings like salt, often opting for a light lunch of crushed vegetables mixed with milk and water.
This disciplined approach to nutrition was a core part of the routine for the creator of the Sagrada Família, blending physical health needs with his unique artistic and spiritual vision.