The colorful Casa Batlló is unmissable. This fairy-tale-like building, designed by Antoni Gaudí between 1904 and 1906, was constructed on the famous Passeig de Gràcia at the request of the Batlló family. Gaudí gave this house a whimsical façade and a modern and stylish interior, resulting in a true masterpiece in form, color, and light.
What to See and Do at Casa Batlló
Declared a World Heritage Site, Casa Batlló has grown into a true icon and is one of the most appreciated architectural and tourist attractions in Barcelona. Although it is next to the equally beautiful Casa Amatller, Casa Batlló attracts the attention of most tourists. For Gaudí enthusiasts, this is a must-see.
The Façade of Casa Batlló
From the outside, Casa Batlló is a fantastic example of Gaudí’s creativity. He gave the exterior walls a wavy shape, then covered them with his famous trencadís (stained glass and ceramic discs).
At the top of the roof, there is what many perceive as the back of a dragon. On the ground floor and first floor, we see slender, stone columns, decorated with modernist elements. The balcony railings resemble iron masks, while the columns are like bones.
Also striking is the large stained glass window on the first floor. Everywhere you look, the façade of Casa Batlló is an explosion of color and unique forms.
The House Casa Batlló
The house itself consists of a ground floor with a garage, a first floor where the Batlló family lived, which had its own terrace, and four more floors, an attic, and a roof terrace.
During the tour of Casa Batlló, you immerse yourself in Gaudí’s magical world and visit the hall, the family home on the first floor, the attic, and the roof terrace.
A highlight of your visit is the large stained glass window in the living room overlooking Passeig de Gràcia.
Other spaces worth seeing are the stairwell with beautiful blue tiles, where the original wooden elevator runs, the arches in the attic, and the backyard, where the Batlló family withdrew and relaxed.
The woodwork and impressive ceilings in the house also deserve your attention.
The Back of Casa Batlló
At the back of Casa Batlló, we find the place where the Batllós retreated. The dining room leads to a garden, also beautifully decorated, with colorful tiles and wrought iron.
Particularly notable is the attention Gaudí paid to the decoration of the rear façade, which, although somewhat more subdued than the front, is beautifully decorated. Something that was not so common at the time and is noticeable when you look at the neighbors.
The Roof Terrace of Casa Batlló
The roof terrace of Casa Batlló is a highlight for many visitors to this unique building. As you might expect from Gaudí, the roof terrace of Casa Batlló is exquisitely decorated.
Here, you see up close the famous spine and mythical chimneys of Casa Batlló, which are also covered with Gaudí’s renowned trencadís.
From the roof terrace, you also enjoy a magnificent view of the city, and those who want to catch their breath can enjoy a drink and a snack at the bar.
Gaudí Dome
In a rotating room named Gaudí Dome, visitors learn about the architect of Casa Batlló, the renowned Antoni Gaudí. In an innovative way, you learn what might have gone on in Gaudí’s head, his dreams, and sources of inspiration.
This presentation is shown at the beginning of the tour and sets the tone for what you will experience.
Gaudí Cube
As a conclusion to your visit to Casa Batlló, you can step into a room where a film is shown about Gaudí’s work. Uniquely, the film is projected on all sides of the room, even the floor and ceiling, making everything around you revolve.
Balcony Photo at Casa Batlló
During your visit to Casa Batlló, you can have your photo taken on one of the balconies. The photo is printed immediately and can also be downloaded via a special site with a personal code after payment.
This is undoubtedly a beautiful memory of your visit to Casa Batlló and your visit to Barcelona.
Museum Shop Casa Batlló
In the former garage is now the museum shop of Casa Batlló. Here you can buy all sorts of Barcelona souvenirs, with the main theme being Casa Batlló. From jewelry and decorative objects to mugs, bags, books, magnets, and puzzles.
Events at Casa Batlló
Casa Batlló is the stage for many events, such as the concert evenings held on the roof during the summer. Additionally, its façade is decorated in a special way on several occasions throughout the year, such as Christmas and the day of Sant Jordi.
On special occasions, like during the Festes de La Mercè, the façade is illuminated with special effects (the so-called “mapping”).
History of Casa Batlló
The fabulous Casa Batlló is located on Passeig de Gràcia, formerly the road between the city and the nearby Vila de Gràcia. With the development of the Pla Cerdà in 1860, this promenade was laid out and the construction of the homes of the city’s most prominent families began. The building that is now Casa Batlló was originally built by Emilio Sala Cortés in 1877, when there was no electricity in Barcelona.
Josep Batlló, an industrial magnate with various textile factories in Barcelona, bought the house in 1903 and commissioned Antoni Gaudí to remodel it.
Initially, the plan was to demolish the building, but ultimately it was decided to reform the house. Architect Antoni Gaudí undertook a major renovation of the building between 1904 and 1906. Batlló wanted his house to look like no other and gave Gaudí complete creative freedom. The result is spectacular.
The family lived on the first floor and ground floor of Casa Batlló until the mid-1940s.
After suffering serious damage during the Civil War, the house served as a shelter for about a hundred refugees.
Since the 1990s, the building has been owned by the current owners, the Bernat Serra family (the creator of Chupa Chups), who have carried out various works and restorations.
Since 2002, Casa Batlló has been open to the public and offers tours and activities. Casa Batlló has also been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2005.
Casa Batlló Tickets
It is advisable to order your tickets for Casa Batlló online in advance to avoid long queues. Additionally, you’ll pay €4 extra if you buy the tickets at the ticket office.
Skip-the-Line Tickets Casa Batlló
You can order your tickets for Casa Batlló online in advance to skip the long queues. There are three different types of entrance tickets available: blue, silver, or gold.
With these tickets, you get access to the renewed 10D Experience: a tour inside Casa Batlló with an audio guide and multiple rooms with special effects.
The audio guide explains what you see and is available in several languages (Spanish, English, French, Italian, German, Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, and Catalan). The audio-guided tour lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Tours at Casa Batlló
Casa Batlló also offers several guided tours, for example, for groups and schools.
A fun tour for families with children is the theatrical tour, where children learn in a playful way about modernism and the bourgeoisie of the early 20th century.
During this tour, you walk through the house with master Gaudí himself and the housekeeper of Casa Batlló, learning all sorts of secrets, funny anecdotes, and historical facts that took place here. These tours take place every Sunday at 5:00 PM.
How to Get to Casa Batlló
The fabulous Casa Batlló is located at Passeig de Gràcia number 43, very close to the Passeig de Gràcia metro station (L2, L3, and L4). From the outside, the house is very easy to distinguish, as its striking façade and the crowd that constantly stands in front of it are unmissable.
Useful information
Price: Normally €35, including an audio guide. Children under 12 years old free.
Discounts for children, students, and retirees. There are also discounts for Barcelona Card holders and hop-on-hop-off bus users.
Note: Tickets at the ticket office cost €4 extra!
Opening Hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 43 08007 Barcelona
Public Transport
Metro: Passeig de Gràcia (L2, L3, and L4)
Bus: 7, 22, 24, N4, N5, N6, N7, V15
Train: Passeig de Gràcia (R2, R2N, R2S, and AVE Media Distancia, Regional Expres)