One of Gaudi’s unmissable jewels in Barcelona is Casa Milà, also called La Pedrera (“quarry” in Catalan) for its physical appearance and facade made of local stones. Situated in the heart of the Eixample district, this modernist piece of art sits amongst many buildings in the Passeig de Gracia. The edifice, requested by Pere Milà in 1906, was originally built as a block of flats for the Milà residence as well as for rental purposes. Gaudi’s unconventional construction was finished in 1912. There are 6 floors with 15 flats, a basement garage, an attic and a roof terrace.

The undulating facade reminiscing of waves was designed by Gaudi for his love of nature, with beautifully decorated wrought-iron balconies made by brothers Lluis and Josep Badia i Miarnau.

You can pay to visit the inside courtyards and one of the flats, its attic which has been turned into the “Espai Gaudi” and the roof terrace. Just the terrace is worth the visit, with a breathtaking view of the city, and ventilation towers which look like soldiers with helmets.

La Pedrera’s majestic beauty can also be appreciated standing outside on the other side of the street, admiring every detail of the front by day, and watching the illuminated building at night.

Still used partly as flats, Casa Milà is owned by the Caixa Catalunya Foundation who promote regular cultural activities there such as concerts, conferences, art exhibitions and theatre. They even organise night visits & dinner packages which they call the “Secret Pedrera”.

Many tourists come to Barcelona to see this modernist building… funny when you think that at first the neighbours were complaining that the strangeness of the building would depreciate house prices in the area!