Explore the Fascinating Architecture of Casa Batlló

If you are visiting Barcelona, you will almost definitely see the unique and grand Casa Batlló, located in the heart of the city. It is home to some of the most fascinating and impressive architecture in the world, and is considered as one of the most famous masterpieces of the renowned architect Antoni Gaudi.

An Overview of Casa Batlló

Casa Batlló is a stunning example of the Modernisme architecture movement that swept through Barcelona in the early 1900s. This period was marked by a passion for innovation and imagination, and Antoni Gaudí was one of the most celebrated architects of the time. He was known for his ability to transform mundane buildings into works of art, and Casa Batlló is a shining example of his vision.

The building that would become Casa Batlló was constructed in 1877, in the heart of Barcelona's Eixample district. At the time, it was a fairly ordinary apartment building, typical of the period. However, when the Batlló family purchased the building in 1900, they saw potential in it that others did not.

Gaudí was hired by the Batlló family to transform the building into something truly extraordinary. He immediately set to work, incorporating unique features that blended art and functionality in a completely new way. One of the most striking elements of the building is the undulating facade, which is covered in colorful tiles arranged in a mosaic pattern. The facade is said to resemble the scales of a dragon, and indeed, the balconies on the upper floors resemble the skulls of the dragon's victims.

From the 1950s to the 1990s, the Casa Batlló exchanged hands between various companies and individuals. And in the 1990s, the building was taken over by the Bernat family — who are also the current owners — and that was when restoration of the house began.

Visiting Casa Batlló Today

Casa Batlló is a true masterpiece of architecture and design, and an iconic landmark in Barcelona. It was opened to public for viewing since the 1995, and has since attracted millions of visitors to the site. This grand building been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is a must-visit for all those interested in architecture.

If you are a planning a visit to Casa Batlló, the tickets are not cheap, with general entrance being 29EUR and up. Prices vary depending on the date and time of entry, so you might want to check the timings and availabilities at the official site. It is advisable to purchase your tickets online as there is an additional charge of 4EUR if you were to purchase them physically at the ticket counter.

Now, if you are considering a visit to the Casa Batlló, here are a few pointers on what to expect:

• While the Casa Batlló is open to public, you will not be able to visit the entire house — you can only visit designated areas. There are three types of tickets - the blue gives you a basic ticket with access to a minimal number of spaces, and the silver and gold give you access to more spaces and exhibits.
• There are exhibits on display in these designated area, and some of these exhibits are interactive. Your entrance ticket also comes with an audio guide that will help you navigate the exhibits.
• As you navigate your way through the exhibits, be sure to also spend some time to appreciate and admire the unique architectural features.
• The visit is expected to take about 1 hour 15 minutes, though it really depends how long you spend taking photos and looking at the exhibits.

Should you visit Casa Batlló?

Whether you should visit the Casa Batlló really depends on your travel profile and interests. To help you make your decision, here is a quick summary of what visitors to the Casa Batlló think:

• If you are very interested in architecture and want to explore some of the most famous architectural works, or if you want to explore some really unique architectural works and designs, then definitely visit the Casa Batlló. And for a full experience, it is recommended to get a Gold ticket (from 39EUR); the experience from the basic blue ticket could be rather underwhelming.
• Conversely, if you are only moderately interested in architecture and not one to appreciate the small architectural details, you might find the tickets to be overpriced and there is a chance you might leave feeling disappointed.

But, even if you decide that you don't want to pay for the tickets into the house, you should still definitely visit the Casa Batlló — spend some time outside the building admiring its awe-inspiring facade.

Visiting Tips

During the peak season in summer, the crowds could get rather nasty. If you want to avoid the crowds, you can choose to pay a little more (45 EUR) for an early-morning visit. This will give you early access to the house before it is opened for general access.

Casa Batlló also hosts open-air concerts as part of their Magic Nights event. You could combine your visit to the house with a unique open-air concert in the heart of Barcelona. But do note that Magic Nights are more expensive (from 59EUR), and a visit during Magic Night does not include access to the Gaudi Cube nor the Batlló's private residence due to operational reasons.