Casa Batllo (Batllo House), Barcelona (must see)
Casa Batlló – a prominent symbol of Modernism and Catalan Art Nouveau architecture in Barcelona – is widely hailed as Antoni Gaudí's ultimate masterpiece. Originally constructed in the 1870s, Gaudí undertook a remarkable renovation project in 1904 that transformed this ordinary mansion into a true work of art. Lovingly referred to by locals as the "house of bones" due to its bone-like balconies, or the "house of the dragon" for its roof resembling the humped and glossy scales of a dragon's back, it stands as one of Europe's most peculiar residential buildings.
Few structures in the world possess such an organic quality, where Casa Batlló exudes a sense of being alive rather than inanimate. Any time – day or night, a small crowd gathers outside, gazing up at the undulating facade adorned with a mosaic of fragmented colored glass and ceramic discs. Gaudí's use of light and color is wonderful, particularly in the ceramics, and the curves soften the hard materials quite brilliantly. While exploring the building's interior requires an admission fee that may be considered steep compared to other attractions in Barcelona, it is a worthwhile experience to witness the swirly and curvaceous design.
To fully appreciate Casa Batlló, it is recommended to avail oneself of the free audio guide, which provides valuable insights into the building's historical and artistic context. Although the rooms are now devoid of furniture, the audio guide allows visitors to envision the original furnishings and lighting that once graced the space. As in the case of Casa Milà, Gaudí designed every single bit and piece here, even down to the door handles, ensuring their seamless integration and harmony with the overall form and function.
Despite the presence of an elevator, you are encouraged to walk up the stairs to the rooftop, so as to soak up the atmosphere with its intricate textures and shapes, including glass walls and tiles. At the rooftop's culmination, you'll be rewarded with a scenic view of the surroundings, as well as the up-close encounter with the roof itself including, of course, the signature twisted and tiled chimney pots looking as if they were brought in from a land far, far away...
Tip:
For a fee, you have the opportunity to 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.
Few structures in the world possess such an organic quality, where Casa Batlló exudes a sense of being alive rather than inanimate. Any time – day or night, a small crowd gathers outside, gazing up at the undulating facade adorned with a mosaic of fragmented colored glass and ceramic discs. Gaudí's use of light and color is wonderful, particularly in the ceramics, and the curves soften the hard materials quite brilliantly. While exploring the building's interior requires an admission fee that may be considered steep compared to other attractions in Barcelona, it is a worthwhile experience to witness the swirly and curvaceous design.
To fully appreciate Casa Batlló, it is recommended to avail oneself of the free audio guide, which provides valuable insights into the building's historical and artistic context. Although the rooms are now devoid of furniture, the audio guide allows visitors to envision the original furnishings and lighting that once graced the space. As in the case of Casa Milà, Gaudí designed every single bit and piece here, even down to the door handles, ensuring their seamless integration and harmony with the overall form and function.
Despite the presence of an elevator, you are encouraged to walk up the stairs to the rooftop, so as to soak up the atmosphere with its intricate textures and shapes, including glass walls and tiles. At the rooftop's culmination, you'll be rewarded with a scenic view of the surroundings, as well as the up-close encounter with the roof itself including, of course, the signature twisted and tiled chimney pots looking as if they were brought in from a land far, far away...
Tip:
For a fee, you have the opportunity to 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.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Barcelona. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Casa Batllo (Batllo House) on Map
Sight Name: Casa Batllo (Batllo House)
Sight Location: Barcelona, Spain (See walking tours in Barcelona)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Barcelona, Spain (See walking tours in Barcelona)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Barcelona, Spain
Create Your Own Walk in Barcelona
Creating your own self-guided walk in Barcelona is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
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According to legend, Barcelona was founded by mythological Greek hero Hercules on one of his expeditions, when his boats were hit by a storm. The first 8 boats managed to escape without damage, but the 9th one was lost at sea. Hercules found his lost friends some days later on the coast, all safe and sound. The crew was taken by the beauty of the coastal landscape, and so they decided to stay. It... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.7 Km or 3.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.7 Km or 3.5 Miles
Montjuic Walking Tour
Montjuic is a hill in Barcelona which offers a variety of great attractions of historic, cultural, and architectural value. Here, you can watch a spectacular water show at the Magic Fountain of Montjuic, visit the place where matadors faced the bulls in the past, and explore the ancient Montjuic Castle with its breathtaking views.
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Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.0 Km or 3.1 Miles
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Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.0 Km or 3.1 Miles
La Ribera Walking Tour
La Ribera is a culturally rich, historic area of Barcelona’s Old Town; somewhat less touristy than the Gothic Quarter (which one should really visit as well) and quite unspoiled, authentic and pretty. Centuries ago, it was a very well-to-do neighborhood inhabited by aristocrats, merchants, wealthy sailors, and Jewish money-lenders. Today, it is regarded as the Soho of Barcelona – a popular... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Picasso's Barcelona Walking Tour
Pablo Picasso – the great Spanish painter and sculptor – developed his style in Barcelona where he spent the formative years of his life, from the ages of 14 to 23. It is said that when the master spoke nostalgically of home, he actually meant the Catalonian capital, despite having been born in Malaga.
This self-guided walk will take you to the Picasso Museum, the bar-restaurant and the art... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
This self-guided walk will take you to the Picasso Museum, the bar-restaurant and the art... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
Gothic Quarter Walking Tour
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Antoni Gaudí's Masterpieces Walking Tour
Gaudi is admired around the world as one of the most distinctive architects of the 20th century. The unique technique and use of natural forms make his creations stand out from the pack. La Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, Casa Batllo and other masterpieces will certainly take your breath away with their beauty, forms, colors, and overall design. Just make sure to book tickets in advance, since... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
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