Inside Casa Batllo
What's inside Casa Batllo
Casa Batlló is a unique and famous building located in the heart of Barcelona, Spain. Designed by the famous architect Antoni Gaudí, it is a masterpiece of Modernist architecture and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. Inside the Casa Batlló, visitors can admire the stunning architecture and unique features that make it so famous. Some of the magnificent things to admire about Casa Batllo inside are:
Casa Batllo Entrance Hall
As you step into the hall, you will be immediately captivated by the marine-inspired decor that transports you into a fantastical underwater world. The walls of the entrance hall are curved and sculpted to resemble the waves of the ocean, and they are adorned with skylights designed to look like the shells of turtles. In addition to the stunning walls, the wooden staircase’s handrail in the entrance hall is intricately carved from hardwood, mimicking the spine of a sea creature. The entire design of the entrance hall reflects the Batlló family’s fascination with nature and marine life, which was a recurring theme in the works of the renowned architect Antoni Gaudí. The entrance hall serves as the first stop on your journey through the unique and breathtaking architecture of Casa Batlló, providing a glimpse of the creativity and ingenuity that awaits you throughout the rest of the house. Its exquisite design sets the tone for the rest of your exploration, inviting you to appreciate the intricate details and unconventional beauty of Gaudí’s masterpiece.
Casa Batllo Noble Floor
The main floor of Casa Batllo, spanning over 700 square meters, is known as the noble floor and was once the residence of Josep Batllo until his passing. Upon entering the noble floor, visitors will be greeted by a private landing leading to various rooms, including a dining hall and a private area for couples. The study, the first room on this floor, features a unique mushroom-shaped fireplace. Beyond the study lies the living room, which boasts a large picture window offering a breathtaking view of Paseo de Gracia. In 2002, this section of the Casa Batllo was opened to the public as a museum for visitors to explore.
Casa Batllo Patio of Light
Throughout Casa Batllo, Antoni Gaudi utilized natural light to illuminate the interior spaces, providing a balanced distribution of light from the noble floor to the attic. The double patios play a vital role in this design. The walls of the patios are adorned with ceramic and glass pieces in varying shades of blue, with the darkest at the top and the lightest at the bottom. This, coupled with windows of different sizes, ensures even light penetration. Upon standing at the bottom of the patio, one can observe a blue hue that simulates an underwater experience. In the centre of the Patio of Lights, visitors can find a wooden lift car that is still operational to this day.
Casa Batllo Indoor Garden
The Noble Floor of Casa Batllo features a private dining room, which leads to an exclusive rear courtyard designed for the Batllo family’s leisure time. Antoni Gaudi’s renovation of the rear facade added wavy balconies and iron railings, and his signature trencadis technique is on full display in the flower pots and beds covered in mosaic tiles. A curved wall with inlaid vases creates the illusion of a hanging garden.
Casa Batllo the Loft
The area that surrounds the Patio of Lights was initially designated for the servants to carry out various tasks such as washing clothes. Over time, this space has evolved into a unique and distinct feature of the building, showcasing an intricate blend of Mediterranean design and practical functionality. The predominant use of white in the design of this space not only accentuates its aesthetics but also serves a functional purpose in illuminating the area with natural light. The loft space within this area is characterized by its unique and innovative design, which is intended to mimic the rib cage of an animal. The careful positioning of the 60 arches in the loft area contributes to this design element, which serves as an impressive visual display of the intersection between art and functionality.
Casa Batllo the Roof
It is where Gaudi’s eccentricity reaches its zenith. The dragon back design of the roof collaborates with the rib cage structure of the loft to create the skeletal form of an animal. The ceramic tiles, resembling scales, were polished to provide a natural shine and make the animal appear lifelike. Casa Batllo’s rooftop is a testament to Gaudi’s meticulous attention to detail and innovative design.
When designing the interiors of the house, Gaudi remained committed to aesthetics and did not compromise on its quality. He applied the same level of meticulous attention to detail to create the insides using various materials such as wrought iron, wood, stained glass, ceramic tiles, and stone ornaments. While the exterior of the house is dominated by marine motifs, floral patterns take precedence inside.
