About Casa Batllo
Casa Batlló also known as Casa Batllo dragon(House of the Dragon), is a unique architectural masterpiece located in the heart of Barcelona, Spain. It was designed by the renowned Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí and was built between 1904 and 1906. The building is considered one of Gaudí’s most iconic and innovative works, showcasing his unique approach to modernism and his incorporation of natural elements into his designs.
The building was originally commissioned by textile industrialist Josep Batlló as a refurbishment project for an existing building. Gaudí was given full creative freedom and transformed the building into a striking, organic, and almost surreal work of art. The façade, which is covered in colourful mosaics and undulating shapes, has become an icon of Barcelona’s architectural landscape.
Inside, the building is just as impressive. Gaudí redesigned the internal partitioning to create a more functional and spacious living space, while also adding natural elements such as curved lines and organic shapes to create a harmonious and almost magical atmosphere. The roof of Casa Batlló is also noteworthy, with its multi-coloured tiles arranged in a scale-like pattern that resembles the back of a dragon.
Today, Antoni Gaudi Casa Batllo is one of Barcelona’s top tourist attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a must-visit for anyone interested in modernist architecture and the works of Antoni Gaudí.
Development of Paseo de Gracia
The Paseo de Gracia in Barcelona underwent significant development following the approval of the Cerdà Plan in 1860, which was an ambitious urban plan aimed at transforming the city. The street has since become the backbone of the city and has attracted some of its most influential families to settle in the area. Initially, in the 19th century, the street was mostly used for pedestrian and horse-drawn carriage traffic. However, in the 20th century, it was transformed into a major avenue for cars.
The building that is now known as Casa Batlló was constructed in 1877 by Emilio Sala Cortés, who was one of Gaudí’s professors during his time as a student of architecture. It is worth noting that at the time of construction, electric lighting was not yet available in Barcelona. In 1903, the building was purchased by Josep Batlló y Casanovas, a prominent businessman and textile industrialist who owned several factories in the city.
Construction of Casa Batlló
Josep Batlló granted Antoni Gaudí complete creative freedom to oversee the construction of Casa Batlló, which initially entailed demolishing the existing building. However, Gaudí’s boldness led to the abandonment of the demolition plans, and he was able to conduct a comprehensive renovation of the property between 1904 and 1906. During this time, the architect redesigned the building’s facade, rearranged the internal layout, extended the courtyard of lights, and transformed the interior into a genuine masterpiece of art. Casa Batlló is not only an architectural masterpiece in terms of its artistic value but also highly functional, with characteristics that are more aligned with modern times than with the past. Some experts have identified elements in the building that anticipate architectural trends that emerged in the late 20th century. The significance of Gaudí’s contributions to Casa Batlló cannot be overstated, and it remains one of the most renowned examples of his innovative style and approach to architecture.
The Bone of Contention
When Casa Batlló was being constructed and renovated, other notable architects were also working on various residential properties in Barcelona, which were competing for recognition in urban design competitions sponsored by the Barcelona City Council. This period was subsequently referred to as The Bone of Contention. These buildings, all designed in the modernist style, now form a unique group that includes:
- Casa Amatller, designed by architect Josep Puig I Cadafalch
- Casa Lleó Morera, designed by Lluís Domènech I Montaner
- Casa Mulleras, designed by Enric Sagnier
- Casa Josefina Bonet, designed by Marcel-li Coquillat.
Recent History
Since the 1950s, Casa Batlló has undergone several changes in ownership and is no longer the property of the Batlló family. In the 1990s, the Bernat family took over and completely restored the building, after which they opened it up to the public in 1995. The Bernat family also began offering the property as a venue for events. In 2002, coinciding with the International Year of Gaudí, Casa Batlló started offering cultural visits. These visits and event offerings continue to be available today, with constant updates to their offerings and content.
Casa Batlló is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and an iconic destination in Barcelona, known for its stunning modernist architecture designed by Gaudí. It has become one of the most highly visited cultural and tourist attractions in the city, attracting more than a million visitors each year who come to admire the breathtaking beauty and artistic value of this landmark.
