Things to do in Barcelona – Visit Casa Batlló

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One of several Modernista buildings on the Illa de la Discórdia north of Barcelona’s old town, Casa Batlló looks like something out of a fairytale – the iridescent rooftop resembles the scaly spine of a dragon and the façade features funky shapes, fun colors, balconies like Carnival masks, and pillars that look like bones.

Casa Batllo at Night Barcelona

It’s one of the most unique historical homes we’ve ever visited (even more spectacular at night!) and, despite the steep price of admission, we highly recommend taking a tour, which allows you to wander through the house, from the ground floor up to the rooftop terrace.

The original late-19th century building constructed in rather nondescript classical style by Emilio Sala Cortés, takes its name from textile magnate Josep Batlló i Casanovas. After purchasing the building to serve as his private residence, he commissioned Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi to completely rebuild the structure and make it something ‘spectacular’. The resulting monument, which includes whimsical yet ergonomic features, is definitely spectacular, and is listed – along with six other Works by Antoni Gaudi as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

On your tour of Casa Batlló you’ll see:

Mushroom Shaped Festejador Casa Batllo Barcelona

A mushroom-shaped festejador;

Main Suite Casa Batllo Barcelona

Crystal chandeliers;

Main Suite Casa Batllo Barcelona

Cave-like rooms with nautilus-inspired ceilings,

Wooden ventilations system Casa Batllo Barcelona

wooden ventilations systems,

Light Well and Stairs Casa Batllo Barcelona

Stairways with smooth, serpentine banisters;

Apartment Door Casa Batllo Barcelona

Decorative wooden doors with unique ergonomic handles;

Light Well Through Translucent Glass Casa Batllo Barcelona

Panels of translucent glass that give the impression of being under water;

Light Well Casa Batllo Barcelona

And tile work in varying depths of blue for a clever distribution of light in the stair well.

Arched Loft Casa Batllo Barcelona

On the upper levels you’ll visit the lofts with parabolic arches that support the roof.

Laundry room Casa Batllo Barcelona

These rooms previously served as laundry rooms for the building’s residents.

Balcony Casa Batllo Barcelona

and you will have an opportunity to step out on to the balcony for a view of the neighborhood.

Stairs to Rooftop Casa Batllo Barcelona

After take the stairs to the rooftop terrace

Tiled Rooftop Casa Batllo Barcelona

for a close up look at the scaly tiles and colorful trencadis mosaics.

Skylight Casa Batllo Barcelona

and the skylight for the light well,

Back terrace Casa Batllo Barcelona

Your tour also includes access to the back terrace for a view of the rear façade. Though not as spectacular as the rest of the building, the colorful tile work and wavy balconies are interesting to see.

Getting there:

Casa Batlló is located at Passeig de Gràcia, 43 in the Example. It’s a pleasant 10 minutes from Plaza de Catalunya.

Ticket Info:

Adult admission = 23,50€ (includes audio guide)

Ticket line Casa Batllo Barcelona

Lines can be long, so consider purchasing your ticket via the online ticketing service at the Casa Batllo website.

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