Concept in Definition ABC

Casa Milà, popularly known as La Pedrera, was the last edification that Gaudí built in Barcelona for housing.

The Catalan architect built it between 1906 and 1910 and already in his time generated much expectation among the people of Barcelona, ​​since his appearance was radically opposed to the tradition architecture of the city.

Inside the building there are two patios that provide light to the different apartments

In the patios you can see some typical elements of the architecture modernist: wrought iron combined with rough materials, the use of arches and a whole series of decorative elements (woods of different colors, ornate ceilings and small details typical of the interior architecture of the modernism). The Casa Milà façade stands out for its sinuous appearance and for its original wrought iron balconies with very imaginative shapes.

One of the most curious aspects of Casa Milà is the fact that Gaudí designed it with a car park inside, a very novel circumstance at the time, since there were hardly any cars in the town.

Like the Eiffel Tower, when the building of Casa Milà, many Barcelonans criticized the style of the building and for this reason a derogatory nickname was devised to refer to him (La Pedrera in Catalan means the quarry).

La Pedrera today

Although it is a building that receives a high number of visitors, it is still being used for the headquarters of some offices or as a home for some resident families. La Pedrera is used as the headquarters for projects in which artistic activities of all kinds are integrated.

The legacy of Antonio Gaudí

In his early days as an architect, Gaudí was influenced by the art Neo-Gothic, but in a short time he became the greatest exponent of modernism. However, Gaudí has ​​his own style that is based on the observation of nature, something that can be appreciated in the shapes of the Casa Milà façade. His architectural work is a perfect symbiosis between tradition and innovation. All of his work is inspired by four passions that marked his life: architecture, nature, religious convictions and love for Catalonia.

Along with the Sagrada Family, Guell Park and Casa Batlló, La Pedrera is one of its most unique buildings.

Photos: Fotolia - Alfi / Stefan ReiB