Casa Batlló

"Also known as the ‘House of Bones’ due to its dragon-like façade, Casa Batlló is one of Gaudí's most iconic architectural designs. Upon viewing the exterior, the design reflects a somewhat visceral quality, including many abstract shapes taking inspiration from skeletal bone-like elements. Even the arched rooftop showcases what looks to be the back of a scaly gigantic dragon, with ceramic tiles used for its glistening scales and the small triangular window connoting its eye. A common interpretation in regard to the design, is that the rounded feature to the left of the centre, which terminates at the top in a turret and cross, is a visual representation of the lance of St. George, (the patron saint of Catalonia), which has been stabbed into the dragon’s back. The private residence was originally built in 1877 and was purchased by the Batlló family in 1900. Not long after that Gaudí was commissioned by Josep Batlló to redesign the home, with full creative freedom and an open brief to develop a unique house unlike anything his other family members could ever own. There’s the option to either visit to just view the exterior architecture from the street (for free) or to buy a ticket to also take a self-guide tour of the truly artistic interiors. Please note it can get extremely busy at this location so I would recommend buying an early bird ticket to achieve the best possible experience from this tour. I found the audio guide extremely interesting, learning about the thinking behind each of Gaudí’s organic design choices, his intricate craftsmanship and how the architecture was influenced above all by the natural world. Some of the most interesting spaces include the vibrant sea-like Atrium, the Nobel Hall featuring spiral shaped ceilings and the roof, where you can get a closer look at the dragon’s spine shaped arch. Avoiding straight lines completely, the natural designs continue throughout the residence, leading you from one otherworldly room to the next. Since the 1950’s the ownership of the property has moved between different individuals and companies until the 1990’s when the Bernant family purchased the home. In 1995 they decided to open the building to the public as a museum to preserve Gaudí’s works and to showcase this masterful piece of modernism to the world. "

"Casa Batlló was once a single family residence designed by Antoni Gaudí. Visiting Casa Batlló is a beautiful journey inside the mind of a creative and architectural genius. I highly recommend the audio tour for any Gaudí site so you don't miss all the design and intention behind the smallest details. Helpful hints: - Book tickets ahead of time to avoid long lines and times do sell out. - If you were to choose either Casa Batlló or La Pedrera to tour, I would choose Casa Batlló. - *Secret local tip* If you enter the home goods store, Servei Estacio, around the corner on Carrer d'Aragó, you can go to their outdoor patio area and get a view of the back of Casa Batlló and the terrace for free! "

"Casa Battló was the last Gaudi masterpiece I had the chance to visit and it did not disappoint! Unlike Casa Milà, Casa Battló is a remodel of a previously built house. The main reason why Josep Battló purchased the property is because it is located in the middle of Passeig de Gràcia which is an area where the prestigious family could draw attention to themselves. In 1904 Gaudi was commissioned by the Battló Family to remodel the 1877 pre-existing property. Gaudi had complete carte blanche and no limitiations for this project. The house has been nicknamed “Casa dels ossos” (House of Bones). The architecture is very particular and the inside feels like you are in the ocean."