Casa Batllo

There’s no mistaking the hand of Gaudí in Casa Batlló’s striking façade. The colourful mosaics and curved lines so typical of Barcelona’s famous architect give the game away as soon as you approach this family home in Eixample, the north of the city centre. It is one of two private homes designed by Gaudí which are now open to the public.

Casa Batlló was built between 1904 and 1906 for a local aristocrat and was opened as a museum in 2002 following extensive work to restore the building to its original glory. The rooms appear exactly as the Batlló family left them, although they are no longer furnished. The house is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is an important example of domestic architecture of the modernist period.

The surrealist waves of the roof are said to resemble the spine of a dragon, while the light blue tiles provide a soothing contrast to the vibrant mosaics of the walls. The extravagant exterior is decorated with ornate oval windows, columns and turrets that give it the look of a fairytale castle. Inside you can admire the painstakingly refurbished fireplaces, elaborate arched ceilings and lavishly decorated stained glass.

There are usually long queues to visit the house, so it’s well worth purchasing your ticket in advance from the official website. There is a discount on ticket prices for students and retired people. The of admission price includes an audio guide, which lasts around an hour and takes you through the main parts of the building, including the Noble Floor where the Batlló family lived, the inner courtyard, loft and roof terrace. The on-site gift shop sells a wide variety of souvenirs including books and postcards featuring Casa Batlló and other Gaudí buildings. The house is open 365 days a year check the website for opening times.