We spent our second day in Barcelona in the Eixample, walking the Passeig de Gracie between the Gaudi casas and exploring the adjoining neighbourhood. We visited La Pedrera (Casa Mila) in the morning and Casa Batllo in the afternoon (online tickets are a must) with a three and a half hour lunch at Disfrutar in between. If you are interested in the exceptional 20 course food experience at this Michelin starred restaurant, please visit my food blog Foodsparks.
La Pedrera, described as a "petrified wave" and built at the height of Gaudi's career, was jaw-dropping amazing. We spent three hours there without realizing the time passing because there was something to see around every corner. We started at the unusual roof terrace with its dynamic forms, artistic yet functional and which inspired the figures in Star Wars. Then we entered the attic where we marvel at one of the gems of Gaudi's architectural creations - the 270 beautiful brick arches and the exhibition on Gaudi's life and work. The apartments brought us back to daily life in the early 20th century and how Gaudi designed for it.
By the time we got to Casa Batlló after a long lunch, we were tired but it didn't dampen our enthusiasm for the beautiful interior of this remarkable house. I loved the many curves and arches that made up its stairs, walls and ceilings. The rooftop was on a much smaller scale than La Pedrera but still the same fascinating symbolic sculptures, this time reminiscent of the dragon and St. George.
It was a great day in the Eixample, with its many high-end shops established in old houses, we enjoyed the fascinating mix of architectural styles and streetscapes.
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| La Predrera |
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| The internal courtyard |
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| Roof terrace of La Perdrera |
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| Rooftop sculptures were all functional elements |
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| Beautiful brick catenary arches in the attic |
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| Inside the apartments |
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| Tile detail |
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| The colour glazed internal facade |
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| Lobby ceiling and front entrance |
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| Casa Batlló |
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| More curves! |
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| Fireplace and chimney on the main floor |
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| The front window |
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| Whirlpool on the ceiling of the main room |
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| Skylight |
Attic corridor and attic with catenary arches
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| Staircase to the rooftop |
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| The dragon |
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| Staircase from the lobby |
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| Passeig de Gracie |
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| Plaça de Catalunya |
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