Casa Mila “La Pedrera
A masterpiece by architecture Gaudí
Barcelona, Spain
Everything in this building is curved and undulating. Its originality and the techniques used in its construction are surprising throughout.
This is one of the best-known works of the architect Gaudí, and is one of the symbols of Barcelona. It was built between 1906 and 1912, and consists of a succession of stone walls on the outside, while the interior has two painted courtyards, columns and a range of rooms. There are large windows and iron balconies set into the undulating façade.
On the roof, meanwhile, there are chimneys and sculptures which are works of art in themselves, as well as a splendid view of the Paseo de Gràcia avenue. The building has been declared a World Heritage and is the pinnacle of Modernist techniques and tendencies.
History
In the year 1900, Passeig de Gràcia was the most important avenue in Barcelona. It was here that iconic buildings began to spring up, and the finest theatres and cinemas, and the most exclusive shops, restaurants and cafés opened.
It was also the boulevard on which the wealthiest and most ambitious members of the bourgeoisie decided to build their homes, vying with each other in a bold and exhibitionist manner by commissioning the most eminent architects of the day to undertake their projects.
In 1905, Pere Milà and Roser Segimon married. Attracted by the fame of Passeig de Gràcia, they purchased a detached house with garden situated on a plot measuring 1,835 square metres and they commissioned the architect Antoni Gaudi to build their new property.
The main floor of this new building, Casa Mila, was to be their home and they would rent out the other apartments.
There was considerable interest in the construction of Casa Mila and various reports about it were published, such as the piece in L’Edificació Moderna, magazine, the publication of the construction employers’ association.
The article stated that Gaudi was determined to meet the needs of modern life “without the nature of the materials or their resistance being an obstacle that limits his freedom of action”, and it described the structure of columns as an innovation that would result in large and well-lit spaces.
The construction of the building was complex and was fraught with financial and legal problems. Nor was it free from controversy. Gaudi kept changing his projects to shape the appearance of the structures of the building as the work advanced. He went well over the expected budget and did not abide by the City Council’s building codes: the built volume was illegal; the attic and the rooftop exceeded the permitted maximums; and one of the pillars of the façade occupied part of the pavement on Passeig de Gràcia.
When Gaudi discovered that an inspector had been by to alert the builder, Mr. Bayó, to these illegalities, he left very precise instructions. If the inspector came back and the column had to be cut, Gaudi would have a plaque put up, stating “the section of column that is missing was cut at the order of the City Council”.
After many years of neglect, Casa Mila, popularly known as La Pedrera and declared a World Heritage Site in 1984 by UNESCO, was restored and opened to the public in 1996.
Plan your visit
From Mar 01 to Nov 04
Monday to Sunday
9:00 AM to 8:30 PM
9:00 PM to 11:00 PM
From Nov 05 to Feb 28
Monday to Sunday
9:00 AM to 6:30 PM
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
From Dec 26 to Jan 03
Monday to Sunday
9:00 AM to 8:30 PM
9:00 PM to 11:00 PM<
Prices
- General:€22
- Reduced:€16,50
- Children:€11
- Free entrance: children aged 0 to 6.
Services
Audio guide, Cafe, Guided tours
Contact details
Provença, 261 – 265
08008 Barcelona (Catalonia)
info@lapedrera.com
www.lapedrera.com/es/home
Tel.:+ 34 932142576