Gaudi is considered to be Barcelona’s most renowned architect for a reason: the buildings he constructed are truly exceptional. Gaudi's works in Barcelona include Casa Vicens, Pavellons de la Finca Güell, Collegi de les Teresianes, Casa Calvet, Casa Bellesguard, Casa Batlló, Casa Milà, (La Pedrera), Palau Güell and naturally Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família.
It is nearly impossible to visit all Gaudi's buildings in a few days, so if you are visiting Barcelona just for a shortwhile it is best to pick the 'must-see' attractions: Sagrada Familia, Casa Battló and Casa Milà, (La Pedrera).
Casa Batlló
Casa Batlló is actually a remodelled existing building with oodles of Gaudí's character. Mosaic façade and the roof are stunning as well as the characteristically curved shapes taken from nature.
Admission fee to Casa Batlló is high and the house is very crowded at all times. We still think however that it is worth visiting, especially because of access to the amazing roof terrace with wonderful views. Admission fee includes a free audio guide in several languages.
Location: Pg. de Gracia, 43. Official website: www.casabatllo.es.
Casa Milà (La Pedrera)
Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera (quarry in Catalan) is a stunning piece of architecture both from outside as well as inside. Its wavy façade curling around the street corner gives an impression of a natural limestone formation rather than a man-made building.
We expected more visitors a couple of hours before closing time on a Sunday afternoon, but we only had to wait 10 minutes to get the tickets and the interior of the house was not unpleasantly crowded either.
Highlights of La Pedrera include a visit to one of the flats and the attics where technical aspects of the house are explained by means of scale models and multimedia projections.
Our most enjoyable moment in La Pedrera was sitting on the surprisingly tranquil roof terrace under the creatively shaped chimneys enjoying late afternoon sun.
Location: Provença, 261-265