Antoni Gaudí’s Casa Batlló and Casa Milà, Barcelona Spain

We visited Casa Batlló during our first week in Barcelona. I was dumbfounded when we arrived. The outside of the building is magnificent, and a very large crowd of people stood admiring it. I could not wait to get inside to see the interior details and photograph this legendary work of Antoni Gaudí. As an artist, sculptor, designer and builder of my own home, I could appreciate the building on many levels.

Gaudí’s Casa Batlló

Gaudi's Casa Batllo — *Gaudi’s Casa Batllo; Photo by Richard Bilow*

Emilio Sala Cortés, one of Gaudí’s architecture professors designed and built the original structure in 1877. At that time, Barcelona had not yet introduced electric lighting, highlighting the building’s historical roots. In 1903, textile industrialist Josep Batlló y Casanovas purchased the property to create a unique residence.

Gaudí was granted full creative freedom and given permission to demolish the original building. However, he decided instead to completely renovate it without demolition. Between 1904 and 1906 Gaudi transformed the façade, restructured interior spaces, expanded the light well, and created an artistic masterpiece. Along with its artistic beauty, the house gained remarkable functionality, showcasing modern features far ahead of its time. Casa Batlló is viewed by many as a precursor to late 20th-century architectural trends.

The building changed hands during the 50s, and it eventually ended up with the Bernat Family in 1990. They restored it to its former glory. Then in 1995, they opened the house to the public, offering event spaces and cultural visits. By 2002, during the International Year of Gaudí, Casa Batlló had become a prominent cultural destination. In 2005, it officially became a UNESCO World Heritage site making it the attraction it is today.

As I ascended the spiraling stairs, I became transfixed by the beautiful design details surrounding me at every step. The lightwell running through the entire structure illuminated the tiled surfaces and accentuated the curved wood elements. The undulating curvilinear spaces came to life under the natural light. There was a distinct organic flow to every aspect of the structure. I found myself contemplating the complex engineering and master craftsmanship required to create Casa Batlló. It really is a masterpiece.

Gaudi’s Casa Milà

Another building we visited was Gaudi’s Casa Milà. This was spectacular as well. It is also known as La Pedrera which means stone quarry in Catalan. The name comes from the stone utilized on the undulating facade and balconies. Again I found myself thinking about the engineering and construction logistics required to bring Gaudi’s design to fruition. The wrought iron work was extensive, complex and gorgeous. Casa Milà would be Antoni Gaudí’s final civil work.

The building has a sorted history which was fraught with construction violations and legal issues. The project began in 1906, when Pere Milà hired Gaudí to build and design their new home in the prestigious Passeig de Gràcia area. Casa Milà’s main floor was to be their residence, while they rented out the remaining apartments.

*Gaudi’s Casa Milà also known as La Pedrera; Photo by Kathy Leonardo*

Gaudí often exceeded the budget and altered structural elements that inspectors flagged as against regulations. Ultimately, officials classified the building as a monument, but Milàs still paid a 100,000-peseta fine. Milàs also disputed Gaudí’s fees, leading to a court case, which Gaudí won and then donated to a charity. In 1912 the artist finally finished the building.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

After decades of neglect, Casa Milà became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. Restored and opened to the public in 1996, it now hosts the Catalunya La Pedrera Foundation. The foundation organizes cultural activities, offers museum spaces, and preserves La Pedrera’s legacy.

La Pedrera’s Untold Stories project expands knowledge of the building’s history from 1906 to 1986. This initiative collects photographs, films, documents, and oral testimonies to preserve Casa Milà’s fascinating story.

There are many more projects by Antoni Gaudí that have gained UNESCO World Heritage status. Visit https://www.casabatllo.es and https://www.lapedrera.com/ for additional info about all of Gaudí’s creations.

CLICK HERE for more articles about Spain, including Gaudi’s Park Guell and Basilica De La Sagrada Familia; ETG encourages our readers to visit official tourism websites for Barcelona as well as Spain – https://www.barcelonaturisme.com; https://www.spain.info/