Barcelona: Casa Batllo, Casa Mila & Casa Vicens
Planning A Trip To Barcelona? Here Is All You Need To Know About Casa Batllo, Casa Mila & Casa Vicens!
”Barcelona: Casa Batllo, Casa Mila & Casa Vicens” blog post was updated in 2024.
Barcelona is a city that is famous for its architectural wonders, many of which were designed by the legendary architect, Antoni Gaudi.
His unique style is evident in many of the buildings around the city, and his work has become a symbol of Barcelona itself.
Three of his most famous works are Casa Batllo, Casa Mila, and Casa Vicens.
These three buildings represent some of the most significant examples of Gaudi’s creativity and vision.
Each building is unique and showcases the distinct features that made Gaudi one of the most celebrated architects of his time.
In this blog post, you will find out how to get there, what are the ticket options and whether it’s worth visiting.
Also, we will explore the history, design, and significance of these three buildings.
As well as discover why they are such an essential part of Barcelona’s architectural landscape.
Whether you are an architecture enthusiast or simply a traveler looking to explore the beauty of Barcelona, you don’t want to miss these stunning works of art.
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Who Was Antoni Gaudi?
Antoni Gaudi was a Spanish architect whose works were primarily in the Catalan Modernisme (Art Nouveau) style.
He spent most of his life in Barcelona and the entire city is littered with buildings and designs created by the genius.
Gaudi’s creations are innovative, vibrant, and were inspired by nature and geometry.
His works incorporate bright colors, original types of material combinations, and designs with a lot of curves and waves.
Therefore, the moment you see a building, you can instantly tell that Antony Gaudi was the mastermind behind it.
It makes me feel like his creations have come out of a Dr. Seuss book.
Casa Batllo
Let’s start with my favorite of the Casas – Casa Batlló in Barcelona (pronounced Casa Bat-yo).
What is Casa Batlló in Barcelona?
Casa Batllo was built between 1904 and 1906.
The wealthy Batlló family originally commissioned it as a family residence but later converted it into an apartment building.
Gaudi drew inspiration from the natural forms found in marine life and the colors of the Mediterranean Sea when designing Casa Batlló.
The building’s facade features distinctive undulating curves and colorful mosaic tiles, made from broken ceramic pieces.
The interior of the building features a stunning courtyard, a grand staircase, and unique details such as sculpted fireplaces and intricate wrought-iron railings.
Today, Casa Batlló is a popular tourist attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It has been restored to its original splendor and is open to the public for tours.
What is special about Casa Batlló?
What makes Casa Batlló so special is its innovative design, the use of colors and light, and its historical significance.
The building’s facade is a work of art, and the interior is just as impressive.
Gaudi’s signature attention to detail is evident throughout the entire building.
A visit to Casa Batlló is a must for anyone interested in architecture, design, and history, as it provides a unique and unforgettable experience.
How long does it take to go through Casa Batlló?
The length of time it takes to go through Casa Batlló can vary depending on factors such as the size of the crowd and the pace of the visitor.
However, on average, a visit to Casa Batlló takes about 1 to 2 hours. We spent a bit over an hour at Casa Batllo.
This allows visitors to fully explore the house’s unique design, and learn about its history.
Do people still live in Casa Batlló?
No, people do not live in Casa Batlló anymore.
It was initially designed by Gaudí as a private residence for the Batlló family.
However, the house was purchased by the Bernat family in the 1950s and opened to the public as a museum in 1995.
Since then, it has become a popular tourist attraction in Barcelona, with visitors from around the world coming to see its unique and innovative design.
Is it worth going inside Casa Batlló?
Yes, going inside Casa Batlló is definitely worth it.
Inside, visitors can explore the different rooms of the building, including the stunning central courtyard, which is filled with natural light and beautiful mosaics.
The grand staircase, with its unique railing design, is another highlight of the interior.
Also, the sculpted fireplaces and intricate details throughout the building are worth seeing.
👉 I recommend booking the Silver option: Barcelona: Casa Batlló Entry with Self-Audioguide Tour. You will see the options once you click Check Availability and choose a date.
What are the Casa Batllo concerts?
The Casa Batllo concerts are a unique and distinctive activity worth mentioning.
They feature a wide range of musical genres, including classical, jazz, and flamenco, and are held in an intimate setting with limited seating.
The concerts offer a unique opportunity to enjoy live music in a historic and beautiful setting, creating a memorable experience for all who attend.
To see the list of performers and to book your tickets, check the link above.
How to get to Casa Batllo
Casa Batllo is located in the heart of the city, on a large street called Passeig de Gràcia.
Think of it as the Barcelonian Champs-Élysées, with high-end stores.
To get to it, get off at the Metro station called Passeig de Gràcia and Casa Batllo will be right in front of you.
At this Metro station, three lines connect L2 (purple), L3 (green), and L4 (yellow), so it will be easy to access.
Casa Batllo Tickets (Which ticket to buy)
There are three types of tickets for Casa Batllo – Blue, Silver, and Gold.
Blue Ticket – entrance to Casa Batlló without FastPass entry. An audio guide is included but not the Virtual Reality Tablet (I loved the tablet, it was worth it). This is the most basic ticket available.
Silver Ticket – no FastPass entry but includes Gaudí Dôme, Virtual Reality Tablet, and the original Concierge Room.
Gold Ticket – FastPass entrance included, access to Lord Batlló’s bedroom, and access to the exclusive outdoor lounge. This option includes everything in Casa Batllo as well as Free Cancelation (the other options do not). However, it is the most expensive ticket.
The Casa Batllo, Barcelona tickets that we got were the Silver ticket option.
You need to keep in mind that the tickets are timed which means that you need to pick a time to enter when you purchase the ticket.
Our ticket was for 10 AM and even though we visited in October there were still a lot of people so I highly suggest pre-booking your Barcelona Casa Batllo tickets.
👉 I recommend booking the Silver option: Barcelona: Casa Batlló Entry with Self-Audioguide Tour. You will see the options once you click Check Availability and choose a date.
What is the Batlló Private Hall?
When you choose the Silver or Gold ticket option, you have access to the Batlló Private Hall.
It dates back to the early 20th century and is furnished accordingly.
If you opt for the Gold ticket, you have the opportunity to take a professional vintage photo in the Batlló Private Hall.
You may use any props available, such as hats and other accessories from that time period while sitting on a small couch.
However, in my opinion, visiting the Batlló Private Hall is worthwhile, but I would not pay extra for the photo as it appears somewhat cheesy.
We purchased the Silver ticket, which does not include the photo; only the Gold ticket option does.
Therefore, I recommend purchasing the Silver ticket to see the hall and skipping the photo opportunity.
What to expect from Casa Batllo
Casa Batllo is one of the most fascinating buildings I have ever seen.
Once you enter, you will get a Virtual Reality Tablet (with the Silver or Gold ticket option) which was truly awesome.
It takes you from room to room and explains the significance of the different shapes and designs.
On the Virtual Reality Tablet, you can see additional images on the screen, such as how a certain room was furnished in the past.
It provides an immersive experience that allows you to fully appreciate the incredible attention to detail that Antoni Gaudi put into his work.
There are barely any straight lines in the entire building.
The windows are irregular oval shapes and the walls are all curved.
Also, most of Gaudi’s creations have outstanding roof designs.
He was obsessed with different designs of chimneys so going to the roof of the building is a must.
It’s believed that the roof is arched and curved a certain way to resemble the back of a dragon.
Therefore, do not miss seeing the “Dragon’s back” on the roof, and the stunning chimneys.
Also, check out the mushroom-shaped fireplace and the Noble Floor (which has that large blue window that you see people take pictures of, facing the street).
Casa Mila (La Pedrera)
Next, let’s talk about the most famous one of the Casas – Casa Mila (La Pedrera).
What is Casa Mila in Barcelona?
Casa Mila, also known as La Pedrera, is a modernist building located on Passeig de Gràcia, only a few blocks north of Casa Batllo.
It was also designed by Antoni Gaudi and was built between 1906 and 1912.
The building was commissioned by Pere Milà, a wealthy industrialist, as a residence for his family and as a rental apartment building.
Casa Mila is famous for its organic forms, undulating stone facade, and unique rooftop, adorned with sculptural chimneys, ventilation towers, and staircases.
It is considered one of Gaudi’s masterpieces, and it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Today, it is open to the public as a museum and cultural center, where visitors can explore the building’s interior and learn about its history and design.
The interior features a stunning central courtyard, an exhibit on Gaudi’s life and work, and an apartment decorated in the modernist style of the early 20th century.
Also, the rooftop is adorned with distinctively shaped chimney stacks and intricate patterns of tiles making it a unique sight.
It provides breathtaking views of the city and is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Barcelona.
Why is Casa Milà famous?
Casa Mila is famous for its unique, organic architecture that embodies Gaudi’s style of Art Nouveau, also known as Modernism.
Art Nouveau was popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Gaudi designed the building to be an innovative and functional living space while incorporating elements of nature.
Such as undulating walls and a roof terrace that mimics a rolling landscape.
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One of the most famous features of Casa Milà is its curved, sculptural façade, which resembles a rocky cliff face.
The building’s roof terrace is also notable, with its chimneys and ventilation towers that are designed to look like surrealistic figures.
The interior of the building is impressive as well, with winding staircases, stained-glass windows, and a central courtyard that fills the building with natural light.
Can you go inside Casa Milà?
Yes, Casa Milà is open to the public and visitors can go inside the building to explore its architecture and history.
Inside La Pedrera, visitors can see a variety of exhibitions and installations that showcase Gaudi’s unique architectural style.
Also, the museum includes exhibits about the history of the building and the people who lived there.
How long to spend in Casa Milà?
On average, most visitors spend between 1 to 2 hours at the site. We spent about an hour or so but how long it takes to see Casa Mila depends on you.
If you are interested in architecture, art, or history, you may want to take a more leisurely pace and spend closer to 2 hours.
On the other hand, if you have limited time, you can still enjoy a worthwhile visit by spending at least an hour at the site.
Is it worth visiting Casa Milà?
Yes, Casa Milà, is definitely worth a visit.
Its unique stone facade and undulating roof are instantly recognizable and have become iconic symbols of Barcelona’s architecture.
Also, you can explore the interior of the building, including the museum and the Gaudí-designed apartment.
Check out the rooftop terrace, with the stunning chimneys and panoramic views of the city.
Overall, Casa Milà is a must-visit for anyone interested in architecture and design.
Also, it’s a great way to learn more about the work of one of the most famous architects of the modern era.
What is the La Pedrera Night Experience?
Casa Mila visit during the La Pedrera Night Experience is also highly recommended.
During this evening experience, visitors are taken on a guided tour of the building, which includes audiovisual displays, lighting effects, and music.
The tour is designed to showcase the unique architecture and history of the building in a new and immersive way.
Also, it offers a different perspective of Casa Mila than a typical daytime visit.
Did I mention, you get a glass of Spanish Cava as well?
👉 If you are looking to book tickets for the Casa Mila Night Experience, check out this link: Barcelona: La Pedrera Night Experience
How to get to Casa Mila
The closest Metro station to Casa Mila is Diagonal where L3 (green) and L5 (blue) lines connect.
We walked from Casa Batllo directly to Casa Mila, it was no more than a 10-minute walk.
Tickets to Casa Mila
The price of Casa Mila tickets varies depending on the type of ticket you choose.
We purchased our Casa Mila tickets online ahead of time.
Our tickets included a skip-the-line entrance to Casa Mila and an audio guide.
Keep in mind that the tickets for Casa Mila are timed which means you need to pick the time slot to enter.
We picked 1 PM which gave us enough time to check out Casa Batllo and walk over.
I highly recommend buying your Casa Mila/La Pedrera tickets ahead of time as it is cheaper to do so online.
Buying them in person at the ticket office will be more expensive by 3 euros.
Another reason to buy the tickets to Casa Mila, Barcelona early, especially in the summer months, is so that they don’t get sold out.
The operating hours of Casa Mila are Monday to Sunday 9:00 am – 6:30 pm.
👉 Grab your Casa Mila, Barcelona tickets by clicking on this link: Barcelona: Casa Milà Skip-the-Line Ticket and Audio Guide
What to expect from La Pedrera
Casa Mila is completely different from Casa Batllo. It is all brown and earthy looking.
Its nickname is La Pedrera which means “the stone quarry”.
Casa Mila resembles a huge stone wave, curved into organic shapes and designs.
There are two large indoor courtyards that resemble clearings in the forest. Once you get your audio guide, the tour starts on the roof.
The audio guide here is definitely not as good as the one that they had at Casa Batllo which included a Virtual Reality Tablet.
The roof of Casa Mila is stunning- there are stairs, crazy-shaped chimneys, and broken tile mosaics.
The views from here are beautiful, you can even see Sagrada Familia in the distance.
Where has Casa Mila been featured?
Some say that the shapes of the chimneys inspired George Lucas to create the look of the stormtroopers from Star Wars. I could definitely see a resemblance.
Also, Casa Mila is mentioned in Dan Brown’s book “Origin”, where the young billionaire computer scientist Edmond Kirsch lives.
If you haven’t read the book, I highly recommend not only reading “Origin” but reading everything Dan Brown has ever written.
So if you are a fan of Star Wars or Origin, checking out Casa Mila would probably be a good idea.
Once you’re done hopping around the stairwells on the roof, the audio guide will take you inside where there is a small museum.
When you are inside that museum (in the attic) it looks like you are in the belly of a snake or a whale.
The reason for that is the prominent arches on the ceiling that resemble bones or a spine.
Moving right along we get to the apartment which is located on the fourth floor. It depicts the life of a wealthy family during the early 20th century.
The main floor of the building is where the Mila family used to live and it is now used for temporary exhibits.
Other than the main floor, the rest of the building used to be rented out to other families.
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Casa Vicens
And finally our third Casa – Casa Vicens or the red house.
What is special about Casa Vicens?
Casa Vicens is a unique and significant architectural landmark.
It is one of Gaudi’s early masterpieces, marking the beginning of his influential career.
Completed in 1885, Casa Vicens is notable for its eclectic architectural style.
It combines elements of various art movements, including Islamic art, Gothic revival, and Art Nouveau.
The building features a striking color palette, with vibrant tiles and intricate wrought iron details.
It incorporates natural elements like plants and flowers into its design.
Also, Casa Vicens is notable for its innovative use of materials, including the use of iron beams and concrete, which was a relatively new material at the time.
Additionally, the building was one of the first in Barcelona to feature electricity, hot water, and a central heating system.
In 2005, Casa Vicens was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In 2017, it was opened to the public as a museum, allowing visitors to explore its unique architecture and learn more about Gaudi’s early work.
All of these factors contribute to the significance and specialness of Casa Vicens.
Why is Casa Vicens famous?
Casa Vicens is one of Gaudi’s earliest and most important works.
It marks the beginning of his career and sets the stage for his later, more famous works like the Sagrada Familia and Park Guell.
The building showcases Gaudi’s innovative and eclectic approach to architecture, incorporating various artistic movements and materials into its design.
Casa Vicens is famous for its unique architecture, its association with Antoni Gaudi and Catalan Modernism, and its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
👉 If you are looking to do Casa Vicens on its own, check out this link: Barcelona: Gaudi’s Casa Vicens Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket
How long does it take to visit Casa Vicens?
Typically, a visit to Casa Vicens takes around 1 to 1.5 hours. We spent about an hour visiting Casa Vicens.
Casa Vicens is a smaller building compared to some of Antoni Gaudí’s other works, such as Casa Batlló or Casa Mila.
A visit to Casa Vicens can be completed in an hour, making it a great option for those with limited time in Barcelona.
Or for those who want to see a different side of Gaudí’s work.
Is Casa Vicens worth the visit?
Casa Vicens is definitely worth the visit for its unique architecture, cultural and historical significance.
Also, there is a small garden at Casa Vicens, which you can explore at your leisure.
The garden features a variety of plant species, including some that were popular during Gaudí’s time.
In addition, Casa Vicens is conveniently located in the Gracia neighborhood of Barcelona.
Garcia is famous for its charming streets, local shops, and restaurants.
This makes it easy to combine a visit to Casa Vicens with other activities in the area.
How to get to Casa Vicens
To get to Casa Vicens, you can get off at two different stations – Lesseps or Fontana. Both are on the L3 (green) line. Casa Vicens is between the two.
It looks like Fontana is closer but you would have to walk uphill, while Lesseps seems a tiny bit further but you will walk downhill.
Whichever Metro stop you choose, you will still have to walk about 10 minutes to the house.
Casa Vicens Tickets
We bought our Casa Vicens Barcelona tickets as a combo ticket which included a ticket to Park Guell and Casa Vicens.
The reason we did that is that the two attractions are relatively close to each other and it saved us about five bucks.
The combo tickets for the Casa Vicens visit were not timed so we could enter at any time.
After walking around Park Guell all morning, we taxied to the house as we were pretty exhausted at that point.
We skipped the audio tour and simply walked around.
👉 If you are looking to do Casa Vicens on its own, check out this link: Barcelona: Gaudi’s Casa Vicens Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket
What to expect from Casa Vicens
Casa Vicens was the summer residence for the Vicens family.
The facade of Casa Vicens is characterized by an uneven appearance, with protruding and indented sections that create a zigzag pattern.
The house has a charming garden that leads to a lovely porch at the entrance.
Upon entering the house, visitors are greeted by the ornately decorated dining room, adorned with 32 oil paintings on wood and canvas.
Moving on to the Smoking Room, you will see the blue color scheme reminiscent of lizard scales, evoking a sense of the Orient.
Ascending to the first floor, one will find the bedrooms and bathrooms that were once used by the family.
Gaudi drew inspiration from the surrounding garden, incorporating natural elements into the room design.
In addition to the bedrooms, the first floor also boasts a spacious terrace and several other rooms.
The second floor of Casa Vicens features an attic, which now houses a permanent exhibition.
It showcases the history of the building’s construction, the techniques and materials utilized, and Gaudi’s inspirations and ideas.
Moving up to the third floor, visitors can explore the building’s rooftop, which features several towers in the corners – a characteristic trait of Gaudi’s works.
Overall, Casa Vicens offers a unique and peaceful atmosphere, distinguishing it from Gaudi’s other notable works in Barcelona.
It is truly remarkable how Gaudi was able to create such diverse and versatile projects.
Which is better Casa Mila vs Casa Batlló/ Casa Batllo vs Casa Mila?
The question on everyone’s mind is which houses are worth the visit and which ones you can skip.
In my opinion, all three houses are unique, interesting, and worth visiting.
However, some people may not have the time or budget to visit all three.
Keep in mind that Casa Batllo, Casa Mila, and Casa Vicens are incredibly different from one another.
However, out of the three houses, Casa Batllo stands out as the most captivating and impressive, with its great video guide and one-of-a-kind design.
For those interested in the rooftop, Casa Mila is a great option as it boasts the best rooftop feature.
On the other hand, Casa Vicens has an original and eye-catching exterior, but if you don’t have time, you can skip the interior.
I have searched for Casa Batllo and Casa Mila tickets, but there doesn’t seem to be such a combo ticket.
However, they are close to each other and it will be easy to do them on your own.
An option that I found is a tour of Casa Vicens and Casa Milà or if you want to combine other Gaudi creations: Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and Casa Batlló Tour.
Also, I found a tour where you see all three houses – Casa Vicens, Casa Mila, and Casa Batllo tickets.
Conclusion: Casa Batllo, Casa Mila & Casa Vicens
In conclusion, Casa Batllo, Casa Mila, and Casa Vicens are all magnificent architectural landmarks in Barcelona.
They offer visitors a glimpse into the city’s unique architecture and history.
Whether visitors have the time and budget to see all three houses or must choose one, they are sure to love the beauty and creativity of these iconic buildings.
