Gaudi: Mi Casa Es Su Casa

If there is one person synonymous with Barcelona architecture, I would say it is Antonio Gaudi. Two of his works are part of the stops of the hop on hop off tour bus. We did not hop off here, so all the photos are of the facade taken from the bus.
This is Casa Mila or La Pedrera (Catalan for The Quarry). It stands on a corner lot of Passeig de Gracia as if it were a gigantic sculpture in which curves prevail. This residential building was Gaudi's last work of civil architecture. Built between 1906 and 1910, it was commissioned by textile industrialist Pere Mila.

I read that this building can be visited and the ticket includes a visit to the starting loft formed by 270 parabolic arches of flat-laid brick, the incredible multi-leveled roof with warrior-like chimneys and ventilators, and one of the large apartments decorated in the 20th century style.

Unfortunately, we did not know about this building before we came and so did not allot time to visit it.

This building is part of the Unesco World Heritage Site.

Casa Battlo is located on #43 Passeig de Gracia. It is one of those eye-catching buildings and one of the most memorable. It's one of those that you either love or hate. Although the edifice was not actually built by Gaudi, he completely transformed it in 1906.

The building on the left is Casa Amatller.

Casa Amatller is a building in the Modernisme style in Barcelona, designed by Josep Puig i Cadafalch. Along with Casa Batlló and Casa Lleó-Morera, it makes up the three most important buildings in Barcelona's famous Illa de la Discòrdia ("Block of Discord"), noted for its unique modernist buildings.

The building was originally designed as a residence for chocolatier Antoni Amatller and was constructed between 1898 and 1900. (info from wiki)


The local name is Casa dels Ossos (house of bones). It has visceral and skeletal quality.

Much of the facade is made up of mosaic of broken ceramic tiles. The roof is arched and is likened to the back of a dragon or dinosaur. A common theory about the building is that the rounded feature to the left of centre, terminating at the top in a turret and cross, represents the sword of Saint George (patron saint of Catalonia), which has been plunged into the back of the dragon. (info from wiki)

Personally, I think the entire Barcelona is a museum. There is art in everything, there is beauty everywhere. I fell in love with Barcelona at first sight. I had felt a strong urge to move there going as far as asking my husband if there is a possibility of our move there. He said his company has a branch in Spain but he didn't know which part of Spain.

I may have spoken when my emotions were filled with the smell and taste and sight of Barcelona then. I still think that it's a great place to live. Now, I have to keep on buying lottery ticket for a chance to buy a house in this gorgeous city :).

This is also my entry to this week's WINDOWS VIEWS AND DOORS TOO, a meme about windows and doors hosted by TEACH MARY. Please visit the site and join us.

Comments

  1. house of bones--that's why i'm seeing skulls when i look at the photo.:p

    these are quite interesting architectures. i like the mosaic tiled roof. thanks for sharing a bit of Barcelona---i read a novel a few years ago set in early 20th century Barcelona, and fell in love, too. i hope to see Barcelona someday.

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  2. Those are some unique buildings, I like them.

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  3. House of Bones is a little scary. Haha. When I was visiting Macau, I can't stop taking pictures while I am inside the bus. Lots of interesting architectures, too.

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  4. Interesting snippets, Photocache. I had a Barcelona calendar last year and the details are just so fascinating.

    Anyway, been having problems commenting on blogspot the past week or so, but better late than never -- have a blessings-filled 2010 :D

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  5. Personally, I think the entire Barcelona is a museum. There is art everything, there is beauty everywhere. >> just looking at the photos tells me it is indeed a city museum. great artistic structures that you wont see anywhere else.

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  6. Very lovely architecture and it is so old. Amazing.
    Windows @ Havelis of Jaisalmer

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  7. What a fine architecture, Maria. I like those buildings! Very fine images!
    About your question, it's residual snow in the photo of Piazza San Carlo.

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  8. What you experienced of Barcelona is exactly my sentiment, Maria. It is such a memorable city. We did have the chance to tour La Pedrera a couple years ago and found it well worth the time and money. Next time you have the chance, please see it. The rooftop alone is worth the ticket. And if you ever move there, I will definitely come visit you! :)

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  9. I love Spain. Its the first country in our list when we start visiting Europe.

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  10. i'd enjoy these pieces of unique architecture anytime ... intricate and lovely!

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  11. Oh wow, I love these casas and most esp that first one. Great architectures and grand photos!

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  12. WOW! I want to see it live someday!

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  13. It's almost like being in fantasy land - it's like Gaudi was playing with his draft and yet his desgins came very artfully done!

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  14. These are great buildings. I can see why you enjoyed Barcelona. Thanks for sharing these.

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  15. I love the structure! It's like one of Tim Burton's clay mation came to life. No wonder it's a UNESCO Heritage site :D

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  16. This is stunning, to say the least! You have posted amazing photos of an eye-catching building. Very very impressive...especially shooting from a tour bus!

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  17. These shots remind me of a film I saw which takes place in Barcelona. Nice series.

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  18. I would LOVE to see these buildings in person, and for sure would want to take the tour inside! Very cool!

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  19. These gorgeous windows and doors, the entire buildings, are incredible, extrememly decorative! The are so beautiful! :)

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  20. Such incredible detail. Gaudi really breathed life into his creations.

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  21. Fantastic windows in Gaudi's buildings!

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  22. I really love the first 2 photos
    the first one has a feel of old times and then the second pans down and it's a colorful modern scene
    I love the shape of the building

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  23. wonderful captures...just wonderful. i love all the quirky-ness of the architecture. and...barcelona is on our trip plans in the future :)

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  24. The architecture is absolutely amazing. Wonderful shots.

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  25. Totally unique and artistic.. One of a kind!

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  26. Amazing architecture! Nice curves on that building!

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