The most surprising unknown facts of Casa Batllo for enjoy this masterpiece of Gaudi in a different way.
The Casa Batllo is one of the most famous buildings in Barcelona and one of the most important Gaudí's Works in Barcelona, located on the number 43 of the elegant Paseo de Gracia Avenue in Barcelona and part of the famous apple of discord, many people thinks that the Casa Batllo is a Gaudí's work, but it really was not like that since the original building is a work of the architect Emilio Salas Cortés in 1877, but in 1903 the Batllo family bought the building and commissioned to Gaudí in 1904 for do a complete remodelation of the building that was ended in 1906 with a remodelation of the interior and exterior and creating one of the most spectacular Gaudi masterpiece and one of the most important representations of Catalan Modernism that you can not miss during your tour.
10 Curiosities and hidden secrets of Casa Batllo that you can not miss.
1. Inspired by the ocean:
Many of the architectural elements of Casa Batlló are inspired by the marine world and the Mediterranean Sea, we can observe this effect in the landings of each floor, we simply have to look through some typical glass of the cathedrals which gives us the feeling of being submerged in the same sea.
2. Walk inside a whale:
If Gaudí was inspired by the ocean be prepared to walk inside a whale, just as we entered the lobby of the Batlló family we found a railing inspired by the backbone of a large cetacean, another of the places to stand out is the attic where we are some arcs that make us feel inside the belly of a whale.
3. A house inspired by a dragon:
The Casa Batlló is also known as the house of the dragon, Gaudí was inspired by the legend of Sant Jordi (Patron of Catalonia), if we look at the roof of the house we can contemplate what symbolizes the back of a dragon, we can also contemplate the four-armed cross which symbolizes the spear of Saint George stuck in the dragon's back.
4. April 23 and The day of the roses:
As in the point 3 the Casa Batllo is inspired by the day of Sant Jordi which is celebrated on April 23, this is a very special holiday in Catalonia and for commemorate this popular day the Casa Batllo is decorated with hundreds of roses creating a building that is transformed only for this day, if you visit Barcelona this day do not hesitate to visit it as it will be a unique and unforgettable experience.
5. Pioneer in recycling:
If we look at the facade of Casa Batllo, we can see that it is full of ceramics, this technique is known as the ¨Trencadis¨, Gaudi used this technique using pieces of recycled ceramics, that is why it is said that Casa Batllo was the first building that used recycling for its remodeling.
6. Its wavy facade:
Many of the buildings built by Gaudi do not have straight points since Gaudi was inspired by nature to create his works and as we know in nature there are no straight points, if we look at its facade we will see that it has different types of undulations, that makes me have a special lighting and creating very special effects that give the house even more originality and magic.
7. Natural lighting system:
Gaudi wanted to create a special lighting both inside and outside the house, that's why in its remodeling he create a Skylight and central courtyards that give natural light to the whole building.
8. Efficient ventilation:
The Casa Batllo not only pioneered a system of natural light, Gaudí also created an efficient ventilation system and advanced to its time, the windows of Casa Batllo have an opening system that allows to regulate the air without having to open completely the Windows. Also the central courtyards play a fundamental role, since they help to conserve the heat in winter and to ventilate in summer, perhaps in the 21st century it is not a novelty but at the time it was a revolution design.
9. Its original balconies:
If there is something that calls the attention of the facade are its balconies and the truth is a mystery since every person can see different things, personally I think they are inspired by the typical Venetian masks but we can also observe the shape of a skeleton or turtles ...... But as I say every person has a different perspective, so it's a matter of imagination so what do you see?
10. Interpretation:
As its peculiar balconies have a different interpretation for each person the building also but the most popular interpretation is the one that refers to the ancient legend of Sant Jordi, where a knight fights against a dragon represented in the highest part of Casa Batllo , and the cross with four arms would be the spear stuck in the animal. We can also observe the bones of the victims of the dragon that create columns in its facade.
If you want to know this fantastic Gaudí building do not hesitate to hire our excursions with one of our guides to know all the work of Gaudí and our wonderful city.