Monday 30 January 2017

Barcelona - Gaudi Casas

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.

La Predrera


The internal courtyard


Roof terrace of La Perdrera



Rooftop sculptures were all functional elements


 Beautiful brick catenary arches in the attic



Inside the apartments

Tile detail


The colour glazed internal facade

Lobby ceiling and front entrance

Disfrutar inside design - see Foodsparks

Casa Batlló



More curves!
  

Fireplace and chimney on the main floor


The front window
Whirlpool on the ceiling of the main room


Skylight
 Attic corridor and attic with catenary arches

Staircase to the rooftop
The dragon



Staircase from the lobby

Passeig de Gracie





 





Plaça de Catalunya


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