Sadly, it was not possible to get a clear view of the front of Casa Batlló, and this panoramic picture does not do the building justice. Photography was not permitted inside either, which has resulted in a panorama that shows more of the surrounding area than of this masterpiece of Gaudi. This is not improved by the fact that the bank next door was covered in a tarpaulin.

Casa Batlló - Barcelona visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'Casa Batlló' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360° panoramas from Catalonia.

Casa Batlló is a masterpiece by Antoni Gaudí. It is known locally as the 'Casa dels ossos' (House of Bones) because of the skeletal forms of the balconies on the front. The whole building is an amazing fusion of forms, styles and shapes, from the irregular oval windows and sculpted stone work on the ground floor, to the brightly coloured, wavy chimneys on the roof. This is a hugely popular tourist attraction of Barcelona, and one of the most visited Gaudi buildings in the city.

Much of the façade of Casa Batlló is decorated with a mosaic made of broken ceramic tiles (trencadís) that starts in shades of golden orange moving into greenish blues. The roof is arched and was likened to the back of a dragon or dinosaur. Some consider the whole building to be a study of Saint George, the patron saint of Catalonia, plunging a sword into a dragon. There is suggestion that the the rounded feature to the left of centre, terminating in a turret and cross, represents the sword. The building has no straight lines.

Casa Batlló stands on the left hand side of Passeig de Gràcia about half way between Plaça de Catalunya and Casa Milà / La Pedrera. It is next to Casa Amatller and Casa Lleó Morera, and the Fundació Antoni Tàpies is just round the corner. Nearby 3 and 4 star hotels include the Continental Palacente, Hotel Cristal, HCC Taber, HCC Regente and Hotel Majestic.

Casa Batlló
No.43 Passeig de Gràcia,
Barcelona

Metro: Passeig de Gràcia