Back in Barcelona - Gaudi - 13-14 Nov


Monday, caught the bus into Gracia and walked into town from there, just soaking in the atmosphere of the squares, streets and people, realising I only had two days left in Barcelona.  The two buildings below attracted my attention - not particularly special but also not unusual to find when just walking around. The trick is to 'look up'. 






I was lucky enough to get a ticket on the spot for a tour of my favourite Gaudi building, Casa Battlรณ, located on Passeig de Gracia.

The house was bought by Josep Battlo in 1903. Gaudi was given total freedom in redesigning it from 1904-06. His inspiration for this magnificent building was the Mediterranean Sea. I last saw the inside in 2009 and remember my phone ran out of battery. Not this time!!



Room overlooking Passeig de Gracia (for looking out and to be looked at!)  The ceiling is inspired by ripples of water when something is dropped into a body of water.

Timber folding doors, allowing the room to be extended.

Timber hand rail



The mushroom-shaped fireplace includes two cosy seats. 



A functioning timber lift in the middle of the lightwell. 


The lightwell, distributes natural light from a main skylight to all levels of the house. The intensity of the blue tiles in the lightwell increases from the lower levels. 
 

Looking through these windows to the blue tiles gives the illusion of ripples of water. 






Usually passages leading to the servants' quarters are quite ugly but not here!


Simply artwork? No! They are actually chimneys on the terrace rooftop (the crooked design was to avoid backdrafts)

The tour ended with a 10D,  six-sided, immersive LED cube which is supposed to demonstrate the mind of Gaudi.  
Warning: Strobe lighting 









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