Casa Batlló

 

Here are five amazing things to do around Casa Batlló

1.) The Gaudi Tour

La Sagrada FamiliaThis walking tour will make you discover who the architect of the original Barcelona really was. Indeed, Gaudi is the artist who designed many of the most emblematic monuments of the city. You will also discover all the secrets of the neighborhood and its construction and you’ll learn all about the good tapas restaurants in Barcelona.

2.) Enter the Casa Batllo

Casa BatllóThe interior of the house is open to visitors, but there is an entrance fee. Nevertheless, it is worth the price as it is quite peculiar. Indeed, the rooms are in themselves pieces of art. They are undoubtedly a precursor of the contemporary decorative art, which makes them quite impressive. There’s not a huge line to go inside the building, but anyway I recommend you to go there early in the morning, 9:00 am, so you’ll be on time for the Gaudi Tour starting outside at 10:00 am.

3.) Take a walk to Plaza de Cataluña

Plaça de CatalunyaThe massive Plaza de Cataluña is one of the main landmarks in Barcelona. Even if it is not an actual monument, it is very emblematic of the Barcelonan pride, embodied in the architecture and in the shape of the plaza.

4.) Have a look at the Casa Serra with the deputation of Barcelona

Diputació de Barcelona (DiBa) - Can SerraThe beautiful Casa Serra hosts the provincial deputation of Barcelona. It is thus an important spot of the political power in Barcelona. The alliance of the two sides of the building makes it very original: a Gaudi-style house added to a more modern building just behind.

5.) Go to the university of Barcelona

Universitat de BarcelonaThe University is quite striking and the emblem of the city reigns over its top. If you want to discover what it is like to be a student in Barcelona, or if you want to meet some students, this is obviously the best place to go.

Facts about the Casa Batlló

The Casa Batlló originally belonged to Josep Batllo who gave his name to the city. It was built in 1877 but at the time it did not have the aspect it has now. The peculiar façade and interior date back to 1906 when the reconstruction of Gaudi started in 1904 was finished. From then on, it became one of the best-known buildings of the architect. The wavy façade as well as the four-branches cross are typical of Gaudi’s style, and therefore of Barcelonan modern architecture. In fact, Casa Batlló is one of the clearest examples of modernism.

Yet, the most representative element of the Casa Batllo, which distinguishes it from other Gaudi buildings, is its façade. Indeed, the balconies are shaped so as to look like skulls, Venetian masks or open mouths – that’s why we also called this house “the yawling house”, depending on your mood. Their curved shape, in addition to the two holes in them, is what makes people think of skulls. Moreover, the columns on the first floor are shaped as human bones… Which is quite creepy but is counter-balanced by another possible interpretation: according to some, they look like trees. However, there is something that everybody agrees on: the whole façade represents the fight of Saint George against the dragon. The roof and the tiles, which look like scales, embody the dragon, the little balcony in the top is the symbol of the rose that grew from the blood of the animal, and the cross in white is the symbol of the sword that St. George used to kill the animal.

Finally, the interior is also quite peculiar, as all the rooms and furniture are also representative of Gaudi’s modern decorative style.

Casa Batllo

For any inhabitant of Barcelona who would like to introduce the “real Gaudi” to someone, the Casa Batllo would definitely be the place to go! Indeed, it is much less crowded than the Park Guell or the Sagrada Familia and yet it is totally emblematic of his architectural style and originality. This house is also truly representative of the renewal of Barcelona as it was originally a common house changed by Gaudi from floor to ceiling. We Barcelonans love to tell visitors all the stories that are represented on the façade, like the one that makes us call this house “The House of Bones” or “The Yawling House”. Why do we say “house”? Because it was the real residence of a family. Can you believe that?

Guide

Opening Hours

Every day from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, but some days it may close at 2:00 pm.

  • 13 million visitors a year 99%
  • Incredibly detailed 80%
  • Contains hidden mysteries 70%

Near By

Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art

1.) Visit the Museum of Contemporary Catalonian Culture:
You will find many examples of Spanish Contemporary Art here. This museum will also make you discover all the main works of art of the “Movida”: an artistic movement which represents post-Franco liberation. The collection is quite varied regarding the styles and domains covered.

2.) This is a very cozy area which only pedestrians are allowed to visit:
The streets are typical of Barcelona and you will definitely find the best restaurants and cafés of the city in this area. Also it’s the best place to go shopping although it’s much crowded.

3.) La Pedrera:
The Casa Mila, usually nicknamed La Pedrera by the locals and by the tourists, is another one of the best-known examples of Gaudi’s architecture. Again it is worth a visit. Indeed, even if Gaudi is present all around Barcelona, he is only in this city and clearly one of the most talented architects of the past century.

Why it’s worth visiting

  • Experience Gaudi architecture in a less monumental way than that which is offered by the Sagrada Familia.
  • The façades are really representative of how to embody theatrical or historical scenes in stone.
  • The interior is unique and quite emblematic of the origins of decorative arts.