There are Gaudi designed buildings all over Barcelona. We visited many and my favourite of all is the wonderful Casa Battlo in Passeig de Gracia.
It was commissioned by Lluis Sala Sanchez in 1904 and was a remodel of an existing house. The family put no limits on Gaudi and wanted a house that would stand out. They lived on the Noble Floor (the main floor with the amazing window) of the building until the mid 1950s.
There are few straight lines on the building, in contrast to the building beside it.
Much of the facade is decorated with colourful mosaic made of broken ceramic tiles.
The local name for Casa Battlo is Casa dels Ossos – House of Bones. To me some of the structures on the front look like knee joints.
One explanation for the feature on the roof with a turret and a cross, is that it represents the lance of St George which has been plunged into the back of a dragon.
The roof structures are both decorative and functional.
The loft contained laundry rooms and storage areas. 60 Catenary arches create a space like the rib cage if an animal.
The internal staircases are beautiful.
The internal stairwell was enlarged to let in more light.
The cosy fireplace with seats is interesting.
The light fittings are stunning…I want them in my house.
The glorious windows let in amazing light.
It must have been a great place to live. Luckily for us, it is now open to the public and we can all enjoy it.
What gorgeous architecture.
By: Tuxedo Sophisticated Cat on September 2, 2015
at 2:49 pm
It’s stunning. I loved this building.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 2, 2015
at 8:32 pm
It is most interesting what Gaudi did with the attics of all the buildings he designed or remodeled. Generally, the attics were totally neglected as they housed the servants’ quarters and general service rooms such as laundry and ironing rooms and storage. They were rather awful, poorly lit although they occupied the top floors, humid and terribly hot in summer. What a difference Gaudi made!
By: Mulino Dominillo on September 2, 2015
at 3:26 pm
I can imagine that the lives of servants weren’t much fun back then.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 2, 2015
at 8:33 pm
Fantastic place. It comes across as a very tactile building. Thank you for the fab pics! Another must do!
By: janetknight57 on September 2, 2015
at 4:09 pm
The building was absolutely full of people. It was difficult to get photos of the rooms because of the crowds. It really is a beautiful place.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 2, 2015
at 8:35 pm
Well , as you would no doubt expect Debra , I find the the building abominable . Personally , the original Spanish architecture of that period was much more refined and stands everywhere in the Spanish world today with much greater reverence than Gaudi’s moments of madness displayed here .
By: Richard the terrible on September 2, 2015
at 9:36 pm
I am aware that Gaudi is not universally popular, but I love this building and his other work. I like that it is different and I love the curves.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 2, 2015
at 9:51 pm
How creative! I too love the fact that his buildings have his distinctive design and style.
By: Kerry & Jim on September 2, 2015
at 11:42 pm
I think Gaudi’s work is fabulous. Everything doesn’t have to look the same.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 3, 2015
at 3:00 am
If only a Gaudi could emerge in Brisbane!
By: Anonymous on September 3, 2015
at 12:08 am
I passed a building yesterday in Brisbane that showed obvious Gaudi influence. I will go back when I am not in the car and take a photo.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 3, 2015
at 2:59 am
Wow and intriguing! Excellent capture … and Barcelona is definitely on my list of places I want to visit.
By: aFrankAngle on September 3, 2015
at 12:04 pm
I’ve never been inside a Gaudi designed building, only admired them from afar so thank you for this glimpse inside! 😀
By: Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella on September 4, 2015
at 3:10 am
A beautiful representation of this most unique building Debra. It was our favourite Gaudi building in Barcelona too!
By: Pauline on September 4, 2015
at 4:20 am
What stunning detail in these photos Debra. I admired the building from the outside only whilst in Barcelona … obviously a big mistake not to enter… but thank you for the tour.
By: Donna Newell on September 7, 2015
at 4:41 am
Reblogged this on aminobuana, inc..
By: maru clavier on September 10, 2015
at 1:19 pm