“The straight line belongs to men, the curved one to God.”
– Antoni Gaudi
Casa Milà is one of the finest examples of his famous testament.
Located right in the heart of Barcelona, Casa Milà is one of the best places to visit when you’re around Passeig de Gracia.
Showcasing Gaudi’s distinctive design flair, the residential building complements his unique taste for Catalan art nouveau art even though it may not commonly appeal to everyone.
Casa Milà once stood against the state’s approval as one of the columns supporting the building was erected way far out compared to the rest of the building. However, Gaudi refused to let it go. For that reason, the original layout remains the same as of now – even becoming synonymous with ostentatious or unconventional aesthetics.
Casa Milà was Gaudi’s final residential project before he devoted himself entirely to the Sagrada Familia. Commissioned by Pere Milà and his wife in 1905, Gaudi transformed it into an artistic haven, abandoning traditional colors for a focus on form.
Check out this comprehensive travel guide to Casa Milà and discover the best way to get there, buy tickets, as well as things to see and do!
Read More: Our 15 Favorite Things to Do in Barcelona: Cathedrals, Photo-Ops, Timeless Works of Arts, and More
Getting to La Pedrera
La Pedrera lies at the northern end of Passeig de Gracia, one of the major avenues in Barcelona. Passeig de Gracia is a major tourist attraction here so plan your itinerary smartly, grouping nearby spots for efficient exploration without losing time in transit.
If you set off from the city center of Barcelona, catch the metro line 3 or 5 bound for Diagonal Station. From there, Casa Milà is two minutes away on foot.
Do You Need Advance Tickets For Casa Milà?
It’s not compulsory yet highly advised if you don’t wanna get caught in the queue. I recommend getting there before 9 AM if you’re yet to obtain an online ticket.
The official website listed different options, including:
- La Pedrera Essential
- La Pedrera Full Experience
- La Pedrera Night Experience
- La Pedrera Premium
- La Pedrera Open Date
- La Pedrera Virtual Experience
- La Pedrera Sunrise
- La Pedrera Essential & Night Experience
The popular choice is the “La Pedrera Essential” ticket, priced at EUR 28 with an audio guide included. Unique offers such as an open date or VR experience are better calls if you wanna make it special to delight your loved ones or when you’re tagging your family along.
Gaudi’s whimsical style and taste in architecture are perfectly executed both outside and inside.
Exploring Casa Milà: A Glimpse Inside
While the exterior captivates with a quirky appearance, the interior will have you wowed with gorgeously adorned private living chambers and a scenic view out of the terrace.
Especially during the night, La Pedrera takes on a transformed ambiance, offering a unique experience.
Private Apartments
Floors three to six are currently occupied by the current residents, leaving no public access to these areas while the rest remain open for public visitors, providing a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of 20th-century wealthy Spaniards.
Walk along the winding hallways and take a sneak peek out of the large windows where the bustling cityscape resides.
These large windows are connected by a curtain wall made of over 6,000 blocks of stone intertwined with metal components.
This intentional design was made to flush the space with sunlight and create a bright and airy atmosphere throughout. This clever design addresses lighting concerns for ample natural light and ventilation in every household.
Each living space reflects the typical European style, including bathrooms, dining areas, studies, kitchens, maid rooms, and ironing spaces. Each room exudes a warm and inviting atmosphere, showcasing the lifestyle of a bygone era.
One of the most amazing highlights of Casa Milà is the way the entire structure relies solely on columns, eliminating the concept of a central wall.
For that reason, they can modify spaces however they like, creating a truly unique living environment.
The Museum
Make your way further up to the attic and explore one of the most visited areas at Casa Milà – the museum. Erected by the vaulted brick ceiling, the exhibition area was transformed from a clothing storage area with thermal insulation benefits. Today, it showcases Gaudí’s exceptional works.
Mini models reflect Gaudi’s highly celebrated masterpieces such as his original drawings, photos, and models.
The attic boasts over 200 red brick vaults, each uniquely shaped like a colossal whale or python skeleton.
Wondering where this quaint design came from?
Inspired by nature, Gaudí’s observation of python anatomy influenced architectural techniques still in use today.
The Rooftop Terrace
The roof terrace is beautiful, boasting breathtaking views of Barcelona. It sits right on top of the attic so get yourself ready for a break after an insightful visit to the exhibition downstairs.
A small winding staircase leads you there, adorned with stone carvings depicting nature and mythology.
As you’ve made yourself to the top, get your camera ready as your eyesight is about to be blown by the warm, desert-like hues under sunlight creating a unique atmosphere.
For safety, iron railings were added on the top floor, which is a deviation from Gaudi’s original design.
The Courtyard
If the rooftop terrace is yet to stun, make your way down to the courtyard and be truly impressed!
The sun-lit courtyard sits in the middle of the building, creating a unique angle as you look upwards with private apartments wrapping from all sides. Casa Milà boasts a total of six floors across 33 balconies and 150 windows.
Plenty of Catalan Modernista artworks such as mosaics and murals are placed throughout, hooking you in with a serene ambiance and a unique touch.
Final Words:
The audio guide took the trip to a whole new level, showcasing Gaudi’s unique design and distinctive recycled welded iron balconies. The wavy facade got me hooked at first sight – and it’s even more incredible knowing the exterior was entirely crafted from stone rather than being precasted.
My final word of caution is to make sure you return the audio guide at the souvenir shop before exiting. Otherwise, it will trigger continuous beeping from the sensor if you forget to do so.