What is Casa Batlló?

Paseo de Gracia, which once linked Barcelona with Villa de Gracia, is where you’ll find the world-famous Casa Batlló, located at number 43.

Since the Cerdà Plan, an ambitious urban plan, was adopted in 1860, several of Barcelona’s most renowned families have made their homes on the Paseo de Gracia. Once a promenade for strollers and horse-drawn carriages, the roadway underwent these transformations in the 20th century to become a major route for automobiles.

In 1877, when power was still unreliable in Barcelona, Gaud’s professor Emilio Sala Cortés built this tower. Josep Batlló y Casanovas, a successful businessman and major player in the Barcelona textile industry, purchased the building in 1903.

Antoni Gaud was given permission by Mr. Josep Batlló to dismantle any unused sections of the building. Gaud’s daring efforts to reconstruct the mansion between 1904 and 1906 saved it from destruction. The architect rearranged the interior walls, extended the lightwell, and transformed the space into a work of art without altering the outside in any way. The building, in keeping with the aesthetic standards of contemporary design, is also very functional. There are those who believe that the styles of the 20th century are what have inspired those of the 21st.

During the time that Casa Batlló was being built, many other illustrious architects were vying for urban accolades from the Barcelona City Council. The phrase “the bone of contention” first appeared around this time. Other outstanding examples of modernist architecture, in addition to Casa Batlló, include:

The Batllós had become emotionally distant from Casa Batlló by the 1950s. In the 1990s, it was purchased by the Bernat family, who have since meticulously returned it to its former beauty.

In 1995, after much deliberation, the family decided to welcome guests. In 2002, during the International Year of Gaud, Casa Batlló opened its doors to the public for cultural tours. As more and better data becomes accessible, it is now viable to do both.

Anyone interested in Gaud or modernist architecture who visits Barcelona should make a point of seeing Casa Batlló. It’s one of the world’s top tourist destinations, drawing in more than a million people every year.

Works of Antoni Gaudi

During the course of his education in architecture, Antoni Gaud began working as a draftsman alongside his instructors on a variety of different projects. The beginning of his professional career coincides with the arrival of electric light to Barcelona (the first large power station dates from 1883) and he first distinguished himself as a public and private illumination designer, taking care of the lighting in various squares. Pla de Palau and Plaza Real(1879) are two examples of the work he did during this time period. In this early phase of his career, Gaud became well-known as an architect and interior decorator. He was commissioned to work on a variety of projects for labor cooperatives, movie theaters, pubs, and restaurants, in addition to the design of furniture, lamps, and shop windows.

The Casa Vicens (1883–1888) was Gaud’s first major work, and it has significant influences from the eastern styles that intrigued the architect during a period when Arab salons were commonplace in Barcelona. Gaud triumphs over the teachings of his instructors who communed with historicism and romanticism in order to create Casa Vicens.

1883, a key year

Eusebi Güell, a prominent member of the Catalan bourgeoisie, became Gaud’s primary supporter after being introduced to the architect by his professor Joan Martorell in 1883. El Capricho (1883–1885) and the Finca Güell and Palau Güell (between 1883 and 1890), later renamed Park Güell and the Crypt of the Colnia Güell (1900–1914), were completed thanks to Eusebi, as were other works that maintained his oriental stage.

Gaud met Eusebi on the same day that his professor, Francisco del Villar, was offered a job as the project director for the Sagrada Familia by the architect Joan Martorell. That day undoubtedly marked a turning point in Antoni Gaud’s life.

Fullness of the artist

The Casa Vicens (1883–1888) was Gaud’s first major work, and it has significant influences from the eastern styles that intrigued the architect during a period when Arab salons were commonplace in Barcelona. Gaud triumphs over the teachings of his instructors who communed with historicism and romanticism in order to create Casa Vicens.

Eusebi Güell, a prominent member of the Catalan bourgeoisie, became Gaud’s primary supporter after being introduced to the architect by his professor Joan Martorell in 1883. El Capricho (1883–1885) and the Finca Güell and Palau Güell (between 1883 and 1890), later renamed Park Güell and the Crypt of the Colnia Güell (1900–1914), were completed thanks to Eusebi, as were other works that maintained his oriental stage.

Gaud met Eusebi on the same day that his professor, Francisco del Villar, was offered a job as the project director for the Sagrada Familia by the architect Joan Martorell. That day undoubtedly marked a turning point in Antoni Gaud’s life.

Last stage

Gaud gave up all of his other projects in 1912 and devoted his entire attention to the construction of the Sagrada Familia, a task that he had been laboring on for the previous 30 years. Gaud passed away in 1926. There, inside the temple, he established a decent studio for himself to live in, in one of the most poor neighborhoods, and he devoted himself entirely to his work while also leading a monastic lifestyle. Therefore, this deeply devout Catholic guy, who began his career working for the bourgeoisie as the architect of the town, ended up becoming what some people refer to as “the architect of God.”

You may also like

Why choose Casa Batlló?

Looking for a one-of-a-kind experience in Barcelona? Look no further than Casa Batlló. This iconic building, restored to its full glory by Antoni Gaudí, has become a must-visit destination for tourists and locals alike. Its breathtaking architecture and stunning interior design, complete with vibrant color schemes, unique furnishings, and intricate details, make it a true gem of modernist architecture. Plus, with the option of an augmented reality guide, visitors will have a fully immersive experience that transports them back in time to the early 20th century. So, why choose Casa Batlló? It’s an opportunity to explore the creativity and innovation of one of the world’s most famous architects in an enchanting and captivating setting.