You find yourself in Barcelona with 24 hours. The masterpieces by Gaudi beckon in all directions. Sagrada Familia is a demanding structure. The hills are beckoning Park Guell. Casa Batllo is located in the middle of your walking path.
Should you go inside?
Majority of tourists see Casa Batllo as a photo shop. They break the facade and pass by. They are deprived of the actual experience.
Casa Batllo is an investment in plodding. The structure identifies itself in layers. Light shifts. Colors change. Plots spring out of all surfaces.
This is a deal that teaches you how to visit effectively. You won’t rush and waste time. You will find out why this building is great-even in one day in Barcelona.
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Fit for One-Day Itinerary
Casa Batllo addresses a variety of issues to preoccupied tourists. It sits in the Passeig de Gracia, the major avenue in Barcelona, and the fact that you have to walk through the street means that you will come across it without having to make any diversion.
Weather is irrelevant. It might rain and ruin your plans, but all in Casa Batllo is inside, so you do not lose any plan.
The visit time is predictable. The widely spaced museums confuse visitors and make it difficult to estimate time.
History
The construction began as an undertaking of another person. Casa Batllo was finished by architect Emili Sala Cortes in 1877. Initial design was of the conventional lines. It was not very special to distinguish it among neighbors.
In 1904 Josep Batllo transformed everything. The rich textile owner purchased the building. He engaged Antoni Gaudi to re-model it in totality. Gaudi didn’t just renovate. He transformed.
He removed the traditional exterior and added undulating stone. Also, he installed tiles of colored broken ceramic and then he also created organic forms resembling nature.
There are several stories that are being told by the building. Others are subject to the ocean which has been rolling over the facade, and which scales shimmer like fish. The legend of Sant Jordi (Saint George) killing the dragon is seen by others. The dragon has the roof as the back. The tower is the carrier of the cross of victory. The bones of the victims of the dragon are in the form of skulls which are visible in the balconies.
Gaudi did away with straight lines. He brought nature indoors. The sun rays through colored glass. The air passes through unforeseen vents. Each detail has a purpose as well as a decoration.
The structure is the best example of Catalan Modernism. Gaudi also worked in the cultural rebirth of Barcelona. He embodied the ambition in the city in stone, glass and ceramic.
In 2005 Casa Batllo was named a UNESCO World Heritage. This is one of the best residential projects by Gaudi.
What is Unique with Casa Batllo When compared with other Gaudi Houses
There is a feeling of otherness when you enter Casa Batllo.
The visit design is an experience that engulfs you. Other buildings by Gaudi allow wandering. A choreographed journey is taken in Casa Batllo. Sound. Light. Color. Everything works together.
Emotion drives the design. Casa Mila (La Pedrera) is technologically innovative. Park Guell reflects the urban planning. The emphasis in Casa Batllo is on feeling. Gaudi made this building arouse your senses.
It is the experience you do internally. Majority of Gaudi landmarks appear magnificent on the street. Their interiors are at times unsatisfactory. Casa Batllo does the opposite. The exterior hints at magic. The interior delivers it.
The scale stays intimate. Sagrada Familia overpowers in size. Casa Batllo captivates with details. You notice the door handle. The ceiling curve. Other Bendant of light through glass.
Among one-day travelers, who have to decide between the Gaudi tour, Casa Batllo would be the best experience with the shortest time. You can see his vision brought to the full. One does not need to understand architecture to be moved by it.
Quantity is never better than quality.
How Long Do You Have to Spend at Casa Batllo?
Expected 60-75 minutes indoors. This includes the ground floor and the top floor. There are visitors who take 40 minutes to go through. They do not see a thing that is important.
Others linger for two hours. They photograph every tile. This is possible as long as you have an unlimited amount of time.
The optimal point is at 70 minutes. You absorb each space. You don’t feel rushed.
Add buffer time at both ends. Entry takes 10 minutes. Check out via the gift shop – another 10 minutes when you shop.
Estimated duration: 1.5 hours.
When to Visit Casa Batllo to Find the shortest queues
Best times to visit:
The best time to open the building (9:00 AM) is an empty one. Rooms feel spacious. Photos come out clean. You move at your own pace.
Smaller crowds appear in the late afternoon (after 4:00 PM). The light changes in a beautiful manner. The power is more peaceful than midday madden.
Times to avoid:
Tour groups are attracted in the late mornings (10:30-11.30 AM). The building fills rapidly. You wait at bottlenecks.
Midday (12:00-2:00 PM) hits peak capacity. Every room feels crowded. The experience suffers.
The issue of seasonal:
Summer is the time of maximum crowds. July and August remain busy throughout the day. Reserve as early a position as possible.
The winter provides breathing space. November to February are not very demanding even during peak seasons.
Weekend vs weekday:
Visitors and tourists are attracted by weekends. Weekdays remain quieter with Tuesday-Thursday being the quietest.
To spend only a day in Barcelona, begin with Casa Batllo. You view it in the most favorable circumstances. You save the remainder of your time.
Nearby Attractions
Casa Batllo is located in Eixample district. It is surrounded by dozens of experiences in a 10 minutes walk.
The architecture walk of Passaig de Gracia is free. Walk north from Casa Batllo. All structures are showing Modernist details. You will see the Casa Amatller right next door. Casa Lleo Morera is on the other side of the street. This block gained the title of block of discord as three great architects joined in this competition.
Casa Amatller is located next to Casa Batllo. It was designed by Josep Puig i Cadafalch, an architect. The outside combines Modernist and Gothic designs.
Five minutes north is the Casa Mila (La Pedrera). Gaudi was the designer of this building, as well. The terrace has great scenery. Visit the exterior for free.
Passeig de Gracia is bordered by shopping and cafes. Ground floors are occupied by international brands. On the side streets are local boutiques lurking. Cafes have an outdoor seating which is ideal as people watch.
How to Get There
Casa Batllo is located in Passeig de Gracia, 43. There are several transport options that are easily accessible to it.
Metro: Go on the line 2, line 3 or line 4 line to the Passeig de Gracia station. Get out at the Passeig de Gracia street. Walk 2 minutes north. Here to your right, there is Casa Batllo. The station has lifts but becomes congested during the rush hour.
Bus: Routes H10, V15, 7, 22, and 24 stop nearby. The H10 passes through Passeig de Gracia.
