Almost every city has generated artists and other notable figures who are intimately tied to the city. Even if a city's most renowned son is not a singer or an actor, he is nonetheless regarded as remarkable. However, who would anticipate the mundane in Barcelona? In any event, the city has every reason to be proud of its renowned architect, Antonio Gaudi. While its most renowned structure is undoubtedly the Sagrada Familia, it has also adopted other brilliant concepts.
Casa Batllo is one of them. A visit to the "House of Bones" is worthy and should be at the top of any Barcelona fan's bucket list.
What are the sights to behold?
Architecturally, this structure is a "true Gaud." At first sight, one can notice the great artist's signature curving, nature-inspired forms. However, from the exterior, the Casa Batlló appears quite gloomy and foreboding, with little of the brightness associated with Parc Guell or the Sagrada Familia. This melancholy is not due to Modernism's architectural style, but to the building's message: With a little creativity, one may piece together the narrative of Saint George, who is also considered the patron saint of Catalonia. The dragon slayer mythology was almost etched into stone or masonry in stone.
Casa Batllo
The house's exterior is built of sandstone and is adorned with vibrant mosaics. Straight lines and straight angles were avoided to the greatest extent feasible - this was characteristic of Gaud. It is at this point that Casa Batlló earns the moniker "House of Bones": The balconies and railings resemble dragon bones and skulls. It is comparable to the roof, which has a scaly appearance evocative of dragon skin. Finally, a tiny tower with a cross represents St. George's sword.
Naturally, the structure may be observed from the outside as well as the inside. And from this vantage point, the Casa Batlló appears unthreatening: Gaud deftly avoided too many right angles and straight lines and was once again inspired by nature. The result is an abundance of light, sweeping arcades, and an elevator that floats freely across space – yet it was constructed long before this style gained prominence in the modern day.
The concept's foundation...
was the architectural style associated with Modernism, which is regarded as Catalonia's counterpart of German Jugendstil. With the introduction of this new style, the previously dominating, simply utilitarian industrial architecture became unfashionable. Rather than that, the emphasis was now on curved forms and colors that conveyed "motion" and "naturalness." The "Catalan vault," with its self-supporting arch constructions constructed of burned bricks, is a classic example of this style of architecture. Since the period of Modernism, decorative ceramic pieces depicting mostly natural elements such as plants and animals have decorated an increasing number of buildings in Catalonia. Additionally, the publicly accessible roof terrace displays many of these components, creating the illusion of being in a tiny version of Parc Guell.
Casa Batllo
Barcelona has long been a city known for its creativity. Thus, it was not unusual when three architects were commissioned between 1898 and 1906 to create three Modernist-style residences adjacent to one another on Passeig de Gracia. Apart from these guidelines, the architects were allowed carte blanche, and the product may still be enjoyed in its entirety today. Casa Batlló is the most magnificent of these three mansions, created by Antonio Gaud. Indeed, the structure was constructed between 1875 and 1877, but Gaud significantly modified it years later on behalf of the house's owner, Josep Batlló I Casanovas. From the start, it was intended to be a residential structure, and there are still some occupied flats in Casa Batlló today.
What do the "Magical Nights" entail?
In terms of the roof terrace, throughout the summer, it transforms into a really spectacular cocktail bar evening after evening. Here, you may watch the sunset without creating shadows on the nearby structures. Additionally, live music is provided, which is complemented by a unique light show and a comfortable environment among the guests. It may be rather lovely at night in or around a museum... Antonio Gaud would undoubtedly concur.
Casa Batllo
In contrast to the majority of museums in Germany, the working day in Barcelona does not stop at 5 p.m.: At Casa Batlló, the evenings truly begin. The home is open until 8:00 p.m.; the top terrace is available until 8:00 p.m. Due to the fact that this is a terrace and not a huge beer garden, it attracts a significant number of people, particularly during the vacation season. Thus, it is sensible to get tickets in advance for the evening program at Casa Batlló. Then you may bypass the wait in front of the door and focus on the tour.
Those who want to visit Casa Batlló during the day but are unable or unable to purchase tickets in advance should arrive first thing in the morning. The home is open beginning at 9:00 a.m., and past experience indicates that the wait in front of the door is relatively brief during this time.
Using public transportation to go to Casa Batlló
Not every cultural landmark in the inner city has its own postal address. However, the Casa Batllo already: They are located on Passeig de Gràcia 43, around 500 meters from Plaça de Catalunya. Thus, you may take the metro there and then walk a little distance, or you can take the metro to Passeig de Gràcia, which is even closer. This is reached in fast cycles by the lines L2, L3, and L4. The Hola BCN Card* entitles you to unlimited usage of public transportation.
