Casa Batllo (Batllo House), Barcelona

Casa Batllo (Batllo House), Barcelona (must see)

Batll贸 House, located in the heart of Barcelona's prestigious Gr脿cia Boulevard, is one of Gaud铆鈥檚 most celebrated architectural masterpieces. Originally built in 1877 by Llu铆s Sala S谩nchez, the building underwent a radical transformation in 1904 when textile industrialist Josep Batll贸 hired Antoni Gaud铆 to renovate it. Gaud铆 expanded the structure, creating new floors and adding his signature audacious design, which turned this previously unremarkable building into a landmark of Modernist architecture.

Batll贸 House is often referred to as the "House of Bones" due to its skeletal-like balconies and organic forms. Another local name for it is the "House of the Dragon," as its arched roof, covered in colorful mosaic tiles, is said to resemble the spine of a dragon. This symbolism aligns with the legend of Saint George (Catalonia鈥檚 patron saint), whose lance is represented by the turret and cross atop the roof.

The building's fa莽ade is divided into three sections and adorned with vibrant broken ceramic tiles in shades transitioning from orange to greenish-blue. Gaud铆鈥檚 use of curves, irregular windows, and sculpted stonework avoids straight lines, enhancing the structure鈥檚 flowing, dynamic feel. Inside, the loft space, with its catenary arches, imitates a ribcage, while the central atrium features blue tiles that create an underwater-like light distribution.

The rooftop is a highlight of Batll贸 House, with its chimneys resembling twisted, tiled sculptures. The entire structure integrates symbolism and decorative elements that showcase Gaud铆鈥檚 innovative approach to form and function. After the Batll贸 family left in the 1950s, the house changed ownership several times and was refurbished before becoming a venue for events in 1995. In 2005, Batll贸 House was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, cementing its status as a masterpiece of modernist architecture.

Tip:
For a fee, you can have your photo taken on the small balcony at the front of the building (as you descend from the rooftop), receiving both a printed copy and an electronic version for a memorable keepsake.

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Sight Name: Casa Batllo (Batllo House)
Sight Location: Barcelona, Spain (See walking tours in Barcelona)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Barcelona, Spain

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