Located in the heart of the Eixample district, on Passeig de Gràcia, Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera, is one of the boldest and most intriguing landmarks of Barcelona, and probably the best example of Catalan Art Nouveau.
Designed by the city’s famous architect Antoni Gaudi, the structure was built between 1905 and 1910 for Roser Segimon and Pere Milà, an influential wealthy couple from Barcelona’s former high society.
Adorned with wrought iron balconies, intriguing curves, and various unusual elements, the stunning wavy façade with absolutely no use of straight lines, reveals one more time the genius and the originality of this artist, who has devoted most of his life to the beautification of Barcelona, a city he has changed forever.
In addition to its eye-catching façade, Casa Milà features an amazing roof where lie a couple of architectural marvels, including the surrealistic chimneys called “The warriors”, the stairwells, the ventilation shafts, and a series of sophisticated arches that envelope the place in mystery and sophistication.
Visitors can wander around the superb roof terrace and admire not only Gaudi’s surprising works, but also the wonderful city below.
Other top features of Casa Milà include the Espai Gaudi – an interpretation center for Gaudi’s life and work located in the building’s attics, La Pedrera Apartment – a superb illustration of how the bourgeois society of Barcelona was living at the beginning of the 20th century, and the beautifully decorated Exhibition Room, situated on the building’s main floor.
La Pedrera also offers an elegant café where visitors can treat themselves with an excellent choice of local goods.
Last, but not least, the building houses a charming Gift and Book Shop focusing on topics such as Barcelona, Modernisme, or Gaudi’s fabulous work.
From an exclusive apartment building, Casa Milà (which today belongs to Catalunya Caixa bank) has become one of Barcelona’s most famous attractions and a major cultural venue, hosting numerous events such as temporary exhibitions, workshops, concerts, and many entertaining activities for the delight of guests.