We had a free day and Rochelle and I chose to go shopping along the famous Passeig de Gracia. I don’t even remember where my other cousins went. When we went out one store and was about to cross the street Rochelle looked ahead and said, “That looks like a house Gaudi would design.”
We quickly crossed the street and shrieked with joy, it was Casa Batlló, a building owned by Mr. Josep Batlló and renovated by Gaudi from 1904-1906. I wanted to see all of Gaudi’s works but we didn’t have time so it was an amazing bonus to see this building. We were the only ones who got to see this. See, shopping has it’s benefits!
The facade of the building is covered with mosaics made with glass and ceramic tiles.
Surprisingly there was a very short line so we paid for our tickets and got an audio guide.
Just like Gaudi’s work at Park Güell he seemed to avoid straight lines in this private residence.
A perfect secluded spot for courting couples [is] tucked away in the romantic mushroom-shaped fireplace, which is flanked by a bench on either side, one for the chaperone and the other for the couple being chaperoned. source
fireplace
Gaudí created large oak doors with organic shapes into which are set panes of stained glass. These doors, as well as separating the three rooms, allow a single light-filled space to be created. source
The ceiling is wavy, in allusion to the sea. It features an ingenious whirlpool effect which Gaudí achieved using an esparto plaster filling and which evokes the power of the sea. source
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central light well
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There were really cute souvenirs in the store.
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I really liked the scale models of the chairs but they cost more than €200 each!
skylight
The loft is one of the most unusual spaces, and is a delightful combination of the aesthetic and the functional. It was formerly a service area for the tenants of the various apartments in the building and housed laundry rooms, storage areas, etc.
It is characterised by the simplicity of its shapes, its Mediterranean influence through the use of the colour white, and its all-pervading light. It features a series of 60 catenary arches, creating a space which evokes the ribcage of an animal – perhaps the dragon which sits above it, on the roof terrace, which is accessed by spiral stairs. source
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chimney
We took the tiny but well maintained elevator to the ground floor. It was a great tour of another Gaudi masterpiece. I wish I got the chance to see Casa Milà too. I’ll put that on my list the next time I go back to Barcelona.
Casa Batlló
Passeig de Gràcia, 43 – 08007 Barcelona
telephone: +34 93 216 03 06
website
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