A stroll along the popular Passeig de Gràcia makes the hearts of architecture lovers beat faster. Along the avenue there are a large number of buildings that are part of Barcelona's cultural heritage due to their originality, beauty and history. And that's not all - Passeig de Gràcia is practically unique in the world: there are two buildings on the same street that have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO and were designed by the same architect, Antoni Gaudí. We are talking about Casa Batlló and Casa Milà.
It is therefore a matter of course for us to include this attraction in your City Pass for Barcelona. As always: no queues at the ticket office or ticket counter and at the time of day that suits you best.
Casa Batlló is located at 43 Passeig de Gràcia and epitomises all of Gaudí's originality and creativity. Many of the architectural and ornamental forms of the building are inspired by his passion for nature. Gaudi combined materials such as stone, glass, ceramics and iron so that when the sun shines on the surface of the façade of Casa Batlló, a warm and poetic interplay of light and shadow is created. The "trencadís" technique, which adorns part of the façade and the interior of the building and which Gaudí himself directed from Passeig de Gràcia, is undoubtedly outstanding. An example of the architect's artistry is the inner courtyard, where the blue colours decorating the walls and the upper skylight give the impression of being in an underwater cave. The building has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005.
At the beginning of the 20th century, Passeig de Gràcia, designed by urban planner Ildefons Cerdà as one of the main axes of Barcelona's Eixample, had become the favourite street of the great bourgeois families. The wealthiest businessmen wanted to demonstrate their social power and commissioned one of the hottest modernist architects to build a large house on the boulevard. One of these industrialists, Josep Batlló, bought a building in 1903 that had been built in 1877 by Emili Salas Cortès, who happened to be Gaudí's former teacher at the School of Architecture.
However, the simplicity of the building contrasted with the spectacular architecture of the neighbouring Casa Amatller by Puig i Cadafalch, so in 1904 Batlló decided to hire Gaudí, who was at the height of his fame at the age of 52. Batlló initially suggested that Gaudí demolish the old building and build a new one, but the architect convinced him to keep the building and design a new one.
Gaudí applied all his genius to the renovation of Casa Batlló, but especially to the main façade, as the aim was to preserve the original structure while creating a completely new work. To this end, the architect made plaster models, which he modelled with his own hands until the desired shapes were achieved, and he personally supervised the laying of the trencadís and the ceramic tiles of the Paseo de Gracia. Antoni Gaudí's Casa Batlló is an absolute masterpiece and an unmissable destination when visiting Barcelona. It is a marvellous ensemble of architectural genius, nature and dreams
Casa Batlló is not only an example of breathtaking architecture, but also an example of sustainability. The building features a range of environmentally friendly technologies that help to save energy and water. These technologies include rainwater harvesting, solar energy and efficient thermal insulation. By combining beauty and sustainability, Casa Batlló is an example of how architecture can contribute to creating a better world.
In 1993 the Bernat family, owners of the Chupa Chups company, bought the house, restored it and opened it to the public.
Casa Batlló has 8 floors. The Batlló family, owners of the newspaper La Vanguardia, lived in the so-called Planta Noble, four other floors were used for letting and the others were shops, garages, department stores or service floors.
There are only a few straight lines throughout the house. Gaudí was inspired by the shapes of the Montserrat mountain and the nearby Mediterranean Sea.
The façade is designed to look different depending on the time of day. Depending on the incidence of light, it appears in different colours.
Casa Batlló is visited by more than a million people every year.
The roof appears to have the shape of a dragon's back. One interpretation of the façade designed by Gaudí is of San Jorge fighting the dragon and that the sacrifices are represented by the bone-shaped columns and the skull-shaped balconies. The four-armed cross on the roof could be the sword stuck in the dragon and from which blood flows.
Daily: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Visiting times may be changed or cancelled depending on room availability.
Casa Batlló is closed on 25 December and 1 January.
The Barcelona City Pass gives you free entry. Show your City Pass with the QR code at the ticket office and you will receive the blue ticket to visit Casa Batlló. The ticket includes the entrance fee, an audio guide in 15 languages and access to the Gaudí Cube (360º). You save 35 €.
• Metro: The nearest metro station is Passeig de Gracia, served by lines L2, L3 and L4
• Bus: Bus lines 7, 16, 17, 22, 24 and V17 all stop near Casa Battlo
• Train: Passeig de Gracia station is also nearby and is served by trains on lines R2, R2 North, R4, R7 and S1
Passeig de Gràcia 43
08007 Barcelona
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Free admission to Barcelona's museums, attractions, and tours. Free travel on public transport and discounts included.
incl. VAT and service fees, excl. shipping fees
