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

Hugging the corner of Gràcia Avenue ("Passeig de Gràcia"), the curvy Casa Milà is yet another fabulous creation by Antoni Gaudí, located just minutes away from his other masterpiece, Casa Batlló. Commissioned by a wealthy developer who had just married an even wealthier widow, this apartment block stands out as the most innovative in all of Barcelona and vividly illustrates how well ahead of his time Gaudí, the designer, really was.

The nickname La Pedrera ("The Quarry") stems from the building's stony, fortress-like appearance, but Gaudí himself thought of it more as a body covered in skin, with the columns serving as its skeleton and the stone as its flesh. It may not look much from a distance, but as you approach, you are gradually drawn in and can't stop staring! The whole structure is so seamlessly sinuous that it looks as if molded rather than constructed, while the apartments inside resemble eroded cave dwellings.

After being declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, the house was acquired by a Catalonian banking foundation and, upon the completion of restoration and cleaning works, some of its original decorations came back into sight. The owners also refurbished the building, adding several new features within.

One notable addition is a meticulously recreated early 20th-century-style apartment on the fourth floor, showcasing the elegant living quarters of an affluent family from that era. The attic houses a tribute to Gaudí's life and work, featuring scale models, plans, drawings, and photographs of all his Barcelona creations. Amongst the exhibits, one can observe Gaudí's inspiration drawn from natural elements like pumpkins, seashells, and even python skeletons.

In keeping with the building's facade, the roof terrace preserves its distinctive architectural style through chimneys, ventilation shafts, and stairwells, all while retaining their practical functions. From there, one can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of Barcelona, providing a tranquil escape from the bustling streets below. It's worth noting that the rooftop terrace is closed during rainy weather, so make sure to visit on a clear day.

Tip:
To avoid waiting in line, do try and book your ticket online in advance and, if possible, visit around sunset when the lights are on, allowing you to experience the surreal audiovisual show. During the summer months, jazz and flamenco concerts are often held here, which is quite a treat as well.