Discovering Casa Batllo Architecture: A Tour Through Gaudí's Barcelona Masterpiece

Architecture

Antoni Gaudi’s soul lives on through Casa Batllo. Made by the Spanish architect in 1906, Casa Batllo reimagined buildings and what they represent, setting a benchmark that has inspired millions of structures worldwide.

Knowledge Graph

Official Name: Casa dels ossos (House of Bones)

Status/Function: World Heritage Site

Location: Pg. de Gràcia, 43, 08007 Barcelona, Spain

Founded: 1877

Area: 4300 m2 | Height - 32m, Width - 14.5m

Architectural Style: Modernisme

Main Architects: Antoni Gaudí, Josep Maria Jujol, Joan Rubió

Casa Batllo Architectural Style

Nature and faith strongly influenced Antoni Gaudi, the chief architect of Casa Batllo. The building is a Modernisme masterpiece, with colorful mosaics and irregular curves that somehow blend well. Casa Batllo’s balconies are also a step away from the Renaixença, or Catalan Renaissance movement prevalent at the time. Gaudi and the other architects thought little of symmetry while designing the building, yet its disfigurement has an undeniable charisma. The ceramic tiles atop the roof look like dragon scales, adding another layer of wonder to the Casa Batllo.

Architectural Highlights of Casa Batlló

Who Built the Casa Batllo?

The world owes a significant deal to the following architects who lent their skills to the Casa Ballo.

Antoni Gaudi

Spanish architect and designer Antoni Gaudi left a lasting mark on Spanish architecture. His work on Casa Batllo still leaves visitors perplexed and amazed, but the building wasn’t his only work. The Modernisme torchbearer also worked on Sagrada Familia and Park Guell in Barcelona.

Josep Jujol

Josep Jujol was Gaudi’s forever partner. The duo worked on several buildings throughout Spain, including Casa Batllo. Jujol was equally vital in the Modernisme movement, using bright colors and inventive ways to use materials.

Joan Rubió

Joan Rubió was one of Gaudi’s trusted partners, designing buildings like the Casa Batllo and Sagrada Familia. Rubió was technically fantastic, deciding the angles and layouts to make Gaudi’s designs work. The Spanish architect also worked on the Park Guell.

Stages of Construction

Original Casa Batlló

Casa Batllo had a beginning before Antoni Gaudi turned it into a masterpiece. A wealthy family bought the property, with Emilio Sala Cortés designing the Casa Batllo in the 1870s. Thanks to the approval of an urban plan, Paseo de Gracia became a prominent street, increasing the demand for the land where Casa Batllo sits. Cortés, who was Gaudi’s professor at the School of Architecture, designed a modern structure despite the limitations of the time. Electric light wasn’t present in Barcelona, but Cortés managed to design a decent building in 1877.

Gaudi Steps in

Josep Batlló I Casanovas, a prominent industrialist and businessman, purchased the Casa Batllo property in 1900. He had a unique vision for the building and recognized Antoni Gaudi as the man to make it happen. Gaudi had a sizable reputation at the same and began working on the property starting in 1904. He completed the renovation in two years, transforming his professor’s design into a marvelous building with lots of color and unique architectural elements like broken ceramics. The Modernisme style used by Gaudi set the stage for a new architectural movement in the 20th century.

Post Gaudi Period

The 1930s was a tumultuous period for Casa Batllo. Its owner, Josep Batllo, died in 1934, and the building suffered severe blows in the Spanish Civil War. After the war, the Batllo family sold the property in the 1950s, with several owners living in the building until the 1990s. Candy company Chupa Chups bought the home, carrying out restorations and restoring the building to its former glory. The property was opened to the public in 2002, giving them a close-up view of its majestic architecture and interior. Casa Batllo was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005.

Main Highlights

Main Facade

Casa Batllo’s facade is what catches the eye. It has a colorful and distinctive look and is divided into three sections, each more beautiful than the other. The top is made with ceramic pieces attached majestically. The central part, reaching the last floor, has balconies protruding like eyes, giving the building a mortal feel.

Interior Facade

The rear facade of Casa Batllo is striking. It features crushed glass and ceramic colors, with the upper floors metal railings, and windows having frames with interesting rectangular shapes. The top loft has a beautiful ceramic color and amazing geometric and floral motifs.

Dragon Esque Roof

The roof atop Casa Batllo is another eye-catching element. The intricate tilework and curved walls look like dragon scales: you’d be forgiven to think a dragon is sleeping above, looking after the building. Many believe Gaudi designed the roof to pay homage to the legend of Saint George, Catalonia’s patron saint.

Modern Interiors

Casa Batllo boasts an equally attractive interior, with the entry area having turtle shells that resemble the underwater world. The first floor, called the Noble floor, was the main living area of the Batllo family. It has vaulted walls and large windows looking out to the affluent Passeig de Gracia Avenue.

Casa Batllo Today

Casa Batllo is a reminder that creativity knows no bounds. Its architectural style and landscape are a breath of fresh air in the 21st century, where utility trumps aesthetics. The building has won countless awards for its architecture, design, and heritage. It received the UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2005 and became a key attraction in Barcelona. Today, Casa Batllo sees over one million yearly visitors and is a top-rated cultural attraction in Barcelona. It serves as a reminder of Gaudi’s immaculate skills and vision for buildings.

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