Did you ever imagine how a house designed by nature and not by humans could be? Welcome to Casa Batlló, an incredible piece of art inspired by marine life and nature.
1. Architectural introduction to Casa Batlló
Casa Batlló or Batlló house is a magical masterpiece that seems to be more natural than artificial. It was designed by Antoni Gaudí, one of the main figures of Catalonian modernism, at the request of Josep Batlló.
He was a peculiar and extravagant architect who created a really personal and magical style.
Casa Batlló is the result of the total renovation of an old conventional house built in 1877 by Emilio Sala Cortés.
Gaudí received the order to make a new design from the owner, Josep Batlló i Casanovas, a textile industrialist. It was restored between 1904 and 1906.
This house is located in the middle of Barcelona, at Passeig de Gracia 43.
Together with Casa Lleo-Morera and Casa Amatller, Casa Batlló creates the so-called Illa de la Discòrdia (Block of Discord) due to the rivalry between the designs.
This block reflects the different styles of the three major modernist architects: Antoni Gaudí, Lluís Domènech i Montaner and Josep Puig i Cadafalch.
The organic shapes that Gaudí used in this restoration bring us a symbolic universe. The marine inspiration transports visitors to a dreamlike world of enchanted and fantastic landscapes.
Gaudí used innovative concepts and methodologies for his time.
He achieved great functionality in all the spaces without losing any of their artistic value. The old house was radically changed.
On the facade, he added a tribune, new balconies, and polychrome ceramics.
Inside, he reorganized the spaces. He unified the existing staircase and patio to add better lighting and ventilation.
He completed his intervention by adding two floors and a spectacular ceramic roof.
Casa Batlló was declared a National Historic-Artistic Monument in 1969. In 2005 Unesco included it within the World Heritage Site “Works of Antoni Gaudí”.
Animal forms, especially from the ocean, curves, the impressive roof, and bright colors create a unique masterpiece in Barcelona.
Are you looking forward to visiting it? Yes, of course!
2. What to see in Casa Batlló?
The Main Facade: Welcome to an Enchanted House
The undulating facade is covered with splendid colored mosaics following the trencadís technique. It is probably the most suggestive, creative, and original in the city. You can not miss it!
On the first floor, you will see the tribune, an oval-shaped big window. It has some columns which seem to be made from human bones. Gaudí and his ingenuity had no limits.
There are seven balconies that look like fragments of skulls with openings for the eyes and nose. They have a curved floor plan and a famous and iconic balustrade.
For some people, they look like masks or even bats. Let your imagination decide!
On the upper floor, you will see the balcony of the loft. There is a small window with a small balcony which seems to be a flower.
The facade is a piece of art itself. Prepare your camera cause you will take plenty of pictures here.
The Roof: A Dragon Spine
The roof is one of Gaudí’s most characteristic elements for urban buildings. It has a wavy shape that looks like the arched back of a dragon and it is covered with colorful ceramic tiles that evoke scales.
On one side of the roof, there is a tower with the typical Gaudí four-armed cross indicating the four cardinal points.
The House: Creativity Everywhere!
Gaudí believed in an all-encompassing design. The intensity of the details and the materiality do not remain only on the facade. He included them in the interior. In an even more detailed way!
The fluidity and organic walls, the use of color, and the surprising changes in scale are everywhere inside the spaces.
Casa Batlló has an area of 4300m2. It is 32m high and 14.5m wide. Gaudí established a basement, ground floor, main floor with patio, four entire floors, attic, and roof terrace.
The Noble Floor: The Batlló Family Residence
You will access it through an imposing hall. It evokes Captain Nemo’s marine grottos with undulating walls and a spectacular staircase.
You will get impressed by this staircase for sure. It has hand-carved wooden handrails that seem to be the backbone of a large animal.
The landing is illuminated by two ceiling windows and has a large ceramic fireplace built into the wall. A lot of special details can be found in Casa Batlló.
The main space has views over Passeig de Gracia through its characteristic windows. This large living room is divided into three spaces, but it can be opened to create a magnificent unique space.
The ceilings of the house continue with the organic wavy shapes that evoke the movement of the sea. You will feel you are inside the ocean, in an underwater fantasy world.
The Patio
The patio is a fundamental part of Casa Batlló. There is a big and beautiful skylight on top which introduces light and air into the building. This space was expanded to gain more natural air and daylight.
The entire patio is covered with ceramics tiles in blue tones. More intense at the top and lighter at the bottom. In this way, it was possible to achieve a uniform distribution of light and a beautiful looking.
The upper windows are smaller and as we descend they become larger, so more light enters. In the central part of the patio, Gaudí installed the elevator, a beautiful and original wooden cabin.
Here, you will feel you are in a marine dive at the bottom of the ocean. Something as usual as a patio became a magical and oniric space in Casa Batlló.
The Loft and the Roof Terrace
At the loft, you will find a very original space. There are sixty catenary arches that seem to be the ribs of an animal. It feels like you are inside the dragon skeleton.
The main purpose of this space was to host services for the tenants such as laundry rooms or storage. What a beautiful space for that purpose!
A spiral staircase communicates with the 300m2 roof terrace, another magical spot in Gaudí´s works. Here, you will feel like you are in a fairy tale.
You will be surrounded by sinuous and polychrome original chimneys. There are 27 chimneys in total, in groups of four. They are covered with glass fragments and ceramic using the trencadís technique.
It is a very cozy and unique space with amazing views of the city. Definitely a must-see spot. Don´t miss it!
Beauty and function come together in every area of the building, from the entrance to the rooftop. Antoni Gaudí created an exceptional universe and incredible environment.
Prepare yourself for this magical experience.
You can find a great virtual tour of Casa Batlló here.
3. Guided Tours
A guided tour can be a wonderful way to discover Casa Batlló. If you really want to know firsthand all the secrets, details, and corners of this fantastic masterpiece, then don’t doubt and book this option.
The visit will be made with a small group and with a knowledgeable guide. The guided tour lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Guided theatrical visit with Gaudí himself.
Secrets and anecdotes about the construction and daily life at the beginning of the 20th century.
Perfect choice for families – your children will enjoy the visit even more than you!
Price: 37€
Small group Gaudí-themed Barcelona walking tour in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, or English
Fast-track admission to Gaudí’s residential masterpiece
Virtual SmartGuides to explore Casa Batlló as it looked in its heyday
Price: 55€
4. Visit on your Own
It is also possible to visit Casa Batlló on your own, but then book the tickets in front. It is going to be very busy here. For sure. Casa Batlló is one of the most famous attractions in Barcelona.
Do you want to lose your time waiting in a queue during your holidays? No, never! It will be best to buy the tickets online to skip the queue at the entrance.
Check availability for the basic admission (blue ticket):
This is the cheapest way to visit Casa Batlló.
The visit will take you around one hour.
You can find some more exclusive visits in our tickets section below.
There are admission slots every 15 minutes, so you need to be on time.
If you are unsure when to visit Casa Battlo, then please check our FAQs below to decide on the best time for you.
The visit to Casa Batlló is carried out with an augmented reality guide that offers you a unique, dynamic, and immersive cultural experience.
It is a fun way to get to know Gaudí´s universe.
The smart guide is available in 11 languages (Spanish, Catalan, English, French, Italian, German, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Portuguese, and Korean).
5. Magic Nights at Casa Batlló
During the summer nights (from the third of June until the third of November) you can join the nice musical nights at Casa Batlló.
You will visit the iconic Gaudí building to enjoy carefully selected musical performances! From classical to R&B, jazz, indie…
Plenty of artists will be performing there. On the roof of Casa Batlló. Under the Barcelona sky with a glass of wine, beer, or cava. Do you imagine a nicer evening in Barcelona?
Do not doubt it and get your ticket. It also includes the visit to the house with a smart guide and a few drinks later.
6. How and where to buy tickets to Casa Batlló?
You can buy tickets at Casa Batlló but it is going to be hard. This house is one of the favorites of the public, so be ready for the crowd.
The best choice will be to buy tickets online and avoid the queues. Skip lines, be smart. Receive your tickets via email, SMS, or in our app and show them on your smartphone (no need to print), easy and eco-friendly!
Do not worry about anything and open all your senses to this marvelous and fantastic masterpiece.
There is a range of different ticket types for Casa Batlló:
Tickets for general admission
SmartGuide(Augmented Reality)
Price: 25€
SmartGuide(Augmented Reality)
Exclusive Room(1900s furniture)
Price: 33€
SmartGuide(Augmented Reality)
Exclusive Room(1900s furniture)
FastPass(Skip the line)
Vintage photo
Price: 33€
Special tickets
Exclusive early access at 08.30am
SmartGuide(Augmented Reality)
Price: 35€
Exclusive night visit + concert on the Casa Batlló roof terrace, under the sky of Barcelona.
Price: 39€
Guided theatrical visit with Gaudí himself. Secrets and anecdotes about the construction and the daily life at the beginning of the 20th century.
Price: 37€
7. FAQs
Where is Casa Batlló?
Casa Batlló is located in the centre of Barcelona, in the Eixample district. At Passeig de Gràcia, 43, 08007.
Opening times. What’s the best time to visit Casa Batlló?
Casa Batlló is open every day for the 365 days of the year. You can enter from 9 am until 8 pm. The last entrance is at 7 pm, so be sure you arrive on time. You can stay at the house as long as you want until the closing time.
Try to avoid peak hours and your visit will be calmer. Early in the morning is the best choice. Remember, earlier, fewer people. Then, you will have the rest of the day to continue enjoying Barcelona.
During the Christmas holidays, they put on decorations and the atmosphere is very nice and cozy. It can be something for Christmas lovers.
How to get to Casa Batlló?
Casa Batlló is located in the city center so it will be easy to reach.
- Bus: Lines H10, V15, 7, 22, and 24.
- Barcelona hop on hop off Bus Turistic: red and blue route stop Casa Batlló – Fundació Antoni Tàpies.
- Barcelona City Tours (red double deckers): Stop 3 A, Passeig de Gràcia – Casa Batlló
- Metro: Line 2, Line 3 and Line 4. Passeig de Gràcia station.
- Train: RENFE: Passeig de Gracia Station.
- FGC: Provença Station.
Accessibility for the disabled and people with reduced mobility
Visitors with reduced mobility can access easily the areas of the tour. They can visit most of the significant areas of the house.
There is an elevator and also enough space for wheelchair mobility. The smart guide can be used in braille (Catalan, Spanish, and English) and also with audio descriptions.
Casa Batlló is open to everybody. They also admit the entry of animals after the approval of Casa Batlló staff. They will be under the responsibility of their owner.
How much do the tickets to Casa Batlló cost?
General ticket: 25€
Be the first ticket: 39€
Magic nights ticket: 39€
Kids (0-7): free
Club Super 3 members: free
Accompanying group teacher (1 every 20 people): free
Accompanying group tour guides: free
Companion of a blind person: free
Students (general ticket): 22€
Disabled (general ticket) : 22€
Seniors (+65 years – general ticket): 22€
Catalonia residents: 15€
Any further questions? Just let us know!
We hope that you have gained valuable insight from this article. Acquiring knowledge about the city you are traveling to ensures that you fully enjoy the experiences.
Knowledge is power for your upcoming adventure to Barcelona. The more familiar you are with the tours on offer, the more prepared you are to tailor the trip to meet your expectations and create memories that last a lifetime.
Don’t miss Antoni Gaudi’s other impressive works when visiting Barcelona:
- The city icon of Sagrada Familia
- Controversial La Pedrera (The quarry) – officially called Casa Milà
- Picturesque Park Guell
Now it is your turn! We love feedback so don’t be shy. Please leave comments and questions below!
Born in Almería, María Gómez is a Spanish architect and writer who has always been interested in travelling and discovering new places. She combines her job as an architect with her love for writing and telling stories.
After finishing the Univerisity in Granada (Spain), she has been living in The Netherlands for a few years and travelling around the world. She enjoys writing about monuments, buildings, customs, people and life. María will show you the world through her unique lenses and special approach. Her motto is to inspire others to travel and enjoy our awesome world!