Casa Batlló

Casa Batllo

The Barcelona audio-guided tour stops you before Casa Batllo, undoubtedly the most famous of Antoni Gaudi's houses. On Passeig de Gracia, its undulating, colourful facade is one of the most recognisable images of Catalan modernism.

A renovation of genius

The house was not built by Gaudi: it was constructed in 1877 by Emilio Sala Cortes, one of his architecture teachers. In 1903, Josep Batllo acquired the building and entrusted Gaudi with its restoration. Rather than demolishing everything, the architect carried out a bold renovation, reshaping the interior spaces and entirely transforming the facade, without destroying the original building. The result is one of the masterpieces of modernism.

What there is to see

The facade, covered with shimmering mosaics, seems alive with its mask-shaped balconies and bone-like columns; the roof evokes the back of a dragon, in reference to the legend of Saint George. Inside, the curved forms, the play of light and the inner courtyard with its graded tiles make the visit an immersive experience, typical of Gaudi's world.

Practical information

Casa Batllo is at 43 Passeig de Gracia, in the Eixample district. The facade can be seen freely from the street; the visit of the interior is ticketed and subject to hours that vary by season. As the site is very busy, it is best to plan ahead.

Did Gaudi build Casa Batllo ?

No, he entirely renovated it from 1903; the original house had been built in 1877 by Emilio Sala Cortes.

What does the roof of Casa Batllo represent ?

It evokes the back of a dragon, in reference to the legend of Saint George, patron of Catalonia.