La Pedrera Casa Mila is one of Gaudí’s most famous buildings in Barcelona. You can visit this unique piece of Catalan Modernism in the Gracia area of the city.
If you enjoy Catalan modernist architecture, then you have arrived at the right place with La Pedrera Casa Mila. Casa Mila or La Pedrera, as it is also known, is one of Gaudí’s most famous buildings. Along with Casa Batllo, it is Catalan modernism at is very best. The uniqueness of this building attracts over 1 million visitors a year, a testament to the popularity of Antoni Gaudí. The building is within the L’Eixample district of Barcelona and is one of the essential sights to visit.
In 1905 Pera Milà and Roser Segimon commissioned renowned architect Atoni Gaudí to build a house on the Passeig de la Gràcia in Barcelona. They would choose to live on one main floor of the building while renting out the other apartments. Construction started in 1906 and had several complications both legal, controversial and financial. Little did they know that the building would, in the future, become one of Barcelonas most iconic landmarks.
Problems for Gaudí At La Pedrera Casa Mila
During construction of the building Gaudí kept changing the plans as the project developed. It was over budget and also did not keep in line with the city building codes. Gaudí was altered that an inspector has been sent to the project. Gaudí threatened that if the inspector ordered the removal of a column, he would erect a plaque stating the missing column, was the result of the city council.
The Eixample commission eventually certified that the building was a monument of nature and therefore did not need to conform strictly to the municipal bylaws. The Milàs took Gaudí to court over the Gaudís fees, with Gaudí winning the case and donating the compensation to a nun convent. After such teething problems, La Pedrera Casa Mila was finally completed and ready for its first tenants.
From its first tennants to UNESCO Heritage status
The first tenants moved in 1912 with all of them living in the building many years. In 1929, the first shops opened on the ground floor and in 1946 the building was sold to a real estate company by Roser Segimon who lived in the building until her death in 1964. The finished building is renowned for its modern and abstract facade, which was quite like nothing ever seen before. Waves and curves flow naturally around the 33 balconies, giving a sense of waves of the sea. There are also many ornamental decorations incorporated in to the building’s design such as octopus and stars. This building is a perfect example of the importance of using nature in the architecture. This was something that Gaudí was a master at.
The Catalan modernist building was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. The building was restored and opened to the public in 1996 where it now enjoys considerable popularity. The building remains without doubt, one of Barcelona’s top attractions to visit. There is an exhibition room to visit and access to the inner courtyards. A visit to the famous “Garden of Warriors” room terrace is also possible. Tickets and tours are available to visit La Pedrera Casa Mila and like most popular attractions in Barcelona booking in advance is always recommended.
How to get to La Pedrera Casa Mila?
To get to La Pedrera Casa Mila which is in the L’Eixample district of Barcelona. The nearest metro station is Diagonal, which is served by metro lines 3 and 5. You can arrive by RENFE train alighting at the Passeig de la Gràcia station. You can also get one of the many buses that operate in Barcelona. The following bus routes pass by La Pedrerea / Casa Mila – Numbers 6, 7, 22, 24, 33, 3, V15, V17, H8, and H10.
