This building, which was restored by the famous Spanish Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi and another Catalan architect Josep Jujol who worked closely with many of Gaudi’s other works, is conveniently situated just a few minutes away by foot from the metro station in central Barcelona.
Gaudi was renowned for his unique and highly original designs and was part of the Art Nouveau movement that was at its peak in popularity at the turn of the century. The building was designed for a wealthy aristocrat as a lavish home for Senor Batllo. He lived in the lower two floors with his family and the upper floors were rented out as apartments.
Casa Battlo: “House of Bones”
Casa Batllo is also know as Casa dels ossos (House of Bones) by locals for its skeletal-like designed façade and was built in 1877 then remodelled in 1905-1907. The coral-like façade looks like it was built out of skulls and bones. The “skulls” are actually balconies and the “bones” are pillars. But one step inside shows a completely different world, one inspired by the colors and shapes of exotic marine life in all its natural splendour.
Unique Architecture without Use of Lines
The first thing that meets the eye once inside is an unusual staircase that looks like a bony wooden snake slithering its way up. The whole interior is seems like it was molded from clay to form irregular shapes like ovals, circles, waves and tunnels to say the least. Soon, one starts wondering about one particular oddity – where are the straight lines?
The Importance of Color and Light
These unusual shapes exacerbates an underwater feeling by using natural light beryl colors such as pink, green and aquamarine on the interior’s walls, ceilings and pillars with scale-like designs. Gaudi also made detailed designs like different window sizes depending on its height from the top to ensure each room received the same amount of sunlight. Simple stained glass patterns also adorn some windows.
The roof is arched like a dragon or dinosaur’s back. It is thought that Casa Batllo’s rounded feature to the center’s left and ending at the top in a turret and cross symbolizes the sword of St. George (patron saint of Catalonia), which has been plunged into the back of the dragon.
More than just a Building
Casa Batllo is not only a popular stop for tourists and those who are interested in architecture, it also offers rooms for a wide range of very special events on Passeig de Gracia. Rooms include its 300m2 Noble Floor, the Couch Houses, the Coal Cellar and the restored Jujol Room.
Address: Casa Batlló, No.43 Passeig de Gràcia, Barcelona.
How to get there:
- Metro "Passeig de Gràcia" (Green Line, L3)
- Calle Aragó-Rambla Catalunya exit.
- Casa Batlló is only a 30 seconds walk from the metro stop if you take the correct metro exit. Look for the exit called: Calle Aragó-Rambla Catalunya when you are leaving the metro.
- 17.50 Euros per person with an audio guide included in the entrance price. Save 20% with the Barcelona Card
- Opening hours: Every day from 9am to 8pm
- On the following days the house will remain open during limited hours: Oct. 2, 3, and 12th from 9am to 2pm.
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