Architect Gaudí always built with respect for the laws of nature, from which he also drew inspiration. This was also the case with the unique Art Nouveau building, Casa Batlló, which he radically rebuilt between 1904 and 1906.

The gently undulating façade, featuring skull-shaped balconies and windows divided by shinbones, is covered in shimmering mosaic tiles. Not far from where this house stands, you’ll come across another of Gaudí’s masterpieces, Casa Milá.

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Appearance and history

The house, built in 1877, was had the building rebuilt in the early 20th century, commissioning the unconventional architect Antoni Gaudí with the brief that the building must make a different impression on every visitor.

The result is a unique building whose façade is clad in a shimmering, colourful mosaic, with balconies resembling human skulls, the large lower windows are divided by columns shaped like shinbones, and the roof is adorned with chimneys resembling aliens.

No less impressive is the interior, with its unconventional rounded curves, the traditional ‘Gaudí-esque’ interplay of colours and shadows through small stained-glass windows, and the interesting decoration of the staircase featuring images of octopuses and starfish.

Casa Batlló is, quite simply, a unique building, but also one of the strangest in Europe. It has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005.

The terrace with a bar and Gaudí’s dreams

On the roof of the building, there is a unique terrace open to all visitors, offering stunning views and an outdoor bar where you can relax in comfort.

Meanwhile, in the basement at the end of the tour, you’ll visit a fascinating audiovisual exhibition entitled ‘Gaudí’s Dreams’.

This approximately two-minute-long artistic video, projected onto all the walls of an enclosed room, was created by the artist Refik Anadol, who sought to delve into Gaudí’s mind through this work.

Admission and opening hours

The admission price is among the highest of all Barcelona’s attractions, but it automatically includes an audio guide.

Tickets can currently only be purchased online via the official website, casabatllo.es, for a specific time slot.

• Adults – 29 eur
• Senior citizens aged 65 and over – 26 eur
• Students with an ISIC card – 23 eur
• Young people aged 13–17 – 23 eur
• Children under 12 –free 

Opendaily from9.30 am to 5.30 pm.

Official information is available on thecasabatllo.es website.

Location and transport

Casa Batlló is situated on one of the main boulevards, Passeig de Gràcia, in the city centre, and is easily accessible by public transport:

• Metro –Passeig de Gràciastation, approx. 120 metres away – lines L2, L3, L4
• Train –Passeig de Gràciaunderground station, approx. 100 metres away – R2 line (airport) and some long-distance services
• Bus –Passeig de Gràcia - Consell de Centstop right outside the entrance – routes 22, 24, V17

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