Do you want to hear a little about la Pedrera before going there? Let me introduce you to this iconic building and its architect.
It is a well-known fact that Barcelona has as many tourist attractions which makes it one of the most popular destinations in Europe. In the same way, the city is well known for its modernism architecture.
As a result of the art nouveau which is inspired by the shape of nature. It appeaerd La Pedrera, located in Passeig de Gracia, one of the most important avenues of Barcelona.
Under those circumstances, Gaudí had a large number of clients belonging to the bourgeoisie. Among them, there were the couple Pere Milà and Roser Segimon, who commissioned the architect Gaudí to build their new house. Initially they came up with the idea to had the main floor as a residence and rent out the other apartments.
The construction consisted of two blocks of apartments, each with its own entrance, structured around two large interconnected courtyards with ramps down to the garage for vehicles.
Unfortunately, The Pedrera was misunderstood, and an object of mockery on the part of the satirical press of the time, that did not know how to value it.
ARCHITECTURE
First of all, let’s try to understand the composition of the building.
The Structure
Firstly, it was comprised by two blocks of houses with independent access, organized around two large interior courtyards that were interconnected.
The Pedrera Apartment
Secondly, on the fourth floor, you can see how was the lifestyle of a Barcelona bourgeois family at the beginning of the 20th century.
In addition, Gaudí also designed the ornamental elements, knobs, handles, moldings, doors and pavements.
The Attic
Then, if we keep going up stairs we will reach the attic. It resembles a skeleton of a whale.
The Rooftop
Finally, on the rooftop, we find order, beauty, and tremendous functionality in the built features: stairwells, ventilation towers and chimneys.
Accordingly to the stairwells, Gaudí used trencadís to cover six among all the stairwells. That is a mix of recycled fragments and monochrome stone, marble or ceramic.
Current Uses
Nowadays, this building is the central offices of the Catalunya La Pedrera Foundation. Althought, in the same time continues to serve its original function. Moreover it holds a range of exhibitions, shows and conferences.
Visits
Above all, there are many options to discover la Casa Mila. From the general admission till an exclusive morning access.
An excellent option if you want to enjoy a guided tour where are included the major attractions is La Pedrera Essential
There is another option to discover Casa Mila, during the magic of the night La Pedrera Night Experience. This admission gives you the opportunity to take a nocturnal guided tour of the various spaces.
If you like exclusivity and would like to experience Casa Mila in a unique way, La Pedrera Exclusive Morning Access is your option. It is a guided tour through the building before it opens to the public.
SCHEDULE
By day: 9am – 8.30pm
Last entry: 8pm
By night: 9pm – 11pm
HOW TO GET THERE
Passeig de Gràcia, 92 Barcelona
Metro station is Diagonal L3-L5
“Gaudí was a genius of the structure and shape, and Casa Milà can testify that.”
