So many Gaudis, so little time. Unless you have unlimited time, most people have to bite the bullet and narrow down which of Gaudi’s incredible works to visit. This was our first trip to Barcelona and we decided to get tickets for Parc Guell and Sagrada Familia and see Casa Mila from the outside only. The park and Sagrada Familia still remain the two best things we did in Barcelona. It is very easy to see Casa Mila from the street without anything blocking the view. There are no walls or buildings in front of it and because it’s on a corner, you can walk around two sides of the block. Even without going inside, it is absolutely worth making time to walk past. It is also very easy to see Gaudi’s other house, Casa Battlo, at the same time. They are only minutes away from each other on the Passeig de Gracia. Casa Mila is like no other block of apartments I’ve seen or could even imagine. The first impression is startling. It is a stony, strangely undulating façade. The next thing I noticed was that there is not a single straight line. Not one. The building is a constant curve. Apparently Gaudi could do this because he designed the entire limestone façade to be completely self-supporting. The windows are also rounded and the wrought iron balcony railings are twisting curves that twine around in plant-like shapes. It still amazes me to think that this was built in 1906 – 1912 and yet it still looks modern, futuristic even. To put it in context, 1912 was the year of the Titanic and two years before WWI. Gaudi was commissioned by the wealthy industrialist Pere Milà in 1906 to build Casa Mila from scratch so, unlike Casa Battlo, this block is 100% Gaudi. You can see that he had the full freedom to let loose with all of his unique designs and unusual forms. Once it was finished, Pere Milà moved here with his family and the interior of his apartment has been kept exactly the way it was the day he moved in. TIPS: 1. It is also very easy to see Gaudi’s other house, Casa Battlo, at the same time. They are only minutes away from each other on the Passeig de Gracia. 2. If you have a choice with the weather, I’d recommend waiting for a day when there is a clear, blue sky. We found that the stark white limestone curves against a clear sky made wonderful photos. COST: The entry price is rather hefty but it is worth noting that both Casa Battlo and Sagrada Familia are similarly priced. Casa Mila starts at €27 but you can save €3 if you buy online. Otherwise, Palau Guell, one of Gaudi’s much earlier buildings, is a little more budget-friendly (€12) and has free entry on the first Sunday of the month.

Of the two Guadi houses near each other we preferred this one, there’s more to see and the smart audio guide works well sensing where you are in the building. The rooms that are furnished and decorated give more of a sense of these buildings as they were originally used and help date them. I still find €50 for two people to have a look round a building a bit ridiculous and I’d never repeat visit at that price but I guess they have an endless supply of people who want to see it for the first time

Barcelona is full of houses, parks and monuments built by Gaudi and it is impossible to visit every one of them in a few days. La Pedrera ( meaning they Quarry, a name given to it by the inhabitants of the city) was our choice and it proved to be very interesting especially because of the very unusual and beautiful attic. The house is at a junction on Passeig de Gràcia and looks beautiful with its nice form and the balconies with interesting iron decorations. The terrace is nice with the interesting and symbolic chimneys, however if you have problems with your knees, it is difficult because you are constantly climbing or going down the stairs. There is an elevator that takes you to the terrace but be careful going around if you have health problems. The auto guide explains everything very well. The furnished apartment gives you a good idea about the period. There is a nice short video here as well. If you would like to use the elevator going down 4-5 floors, be careful not to miss it. The free photo is NOT free, just a tourist trap, the first photo is 10 euros, the second one is free!!! The museum shop is excellent with nice books and objects.