Also known as the ‘House of Bones’ due to its dragon-like façade, Casa Batlló is one of Gaudí's most iconic architectural designs. Upon viewing the exterior, the design reflects a somewhat visceral quality, including many abstract shapes taking inspiration from skeletal bone-like elements. Even the arched rooftop showcases what looks to be the back of a scaly gigantic dragon, with ceramic tiles used for its glistening scales and the small triangular window connoting its eye.

A common interpretation in regard to the design, is that the rounded feature to the left of the centre, which terminates at the top in a turret and cross, is a visual representation of the lance of St. George, (the patron saint of Catalonia), which has been stabbed into the dragon’s back.

The private residence was originally built in 1877 and was purchased by the Batlló family in 1900. Not long after that Gaudí was commissioned by Josep Batlló to redesign the home, with full creative freedom and an open brief to develop a unique house unlike anything his other family members could ever own.

There’s the option to either visit to just view the exterior architecture from the street (for free) or to buy a ticket to also take a self-guide tour of the truly artistic interiors. Please note it can get extremely busy at this location so I would recommend buying an early bird ticket to achieve the best possible experience from this tour. 

I found the audio guide extremely interesting, learning about the thinking behind each of Gaudí’s organic design choices, his intricate craftsmanship and how the architecture was influenced above all by the natural world. Some of the most interesting spaces include the vibrant sea-like Atrium, the Nobel Hall featuring spiral shaped ceilings and the roof, where you can get a closer look at the dragon’s spine shaped arch. Avoiding straight lines completely, the natural designs continue throughout the residence, leading you from one otherworldly room to the next.

Since the 1950’s the ownership of the property has moved between different individuals and companies until the 1990’s when the Bernant family purchased the home. In 1995 they decided to open the building to the public as a museum to preserve Gaudí’s works and to showcase this masterful piece of modernism to the world.