38

Casa Mila & Casa Vicens (Barcelona - Spain)

Very similar to Casa Batllo, this is also a very fluid, unique building. The right way of seeing the building is to start from the terrace. The terrace was so damn quirky that, that itself took so much of my time. There are several chimney like quirky structures atop. 


The best these aren't just decorative, but serve some purpose - some as chimneys, some for wind circulation inside the building, some for skylight and some as entrances to staircases and one even a watertank. While most of these were decorated with mosaic tiles, one of the cluster had wine bottles!!!

Apart from these chimney like structures, there are also 2 arches. One of which frames Sagrada Familia and another frames Montjuic Castle!

Like Casa Batllo, this too was designed by Antoni Gaudi in 1906-12. This is locally called La Pedrera which means an open quarry, coz this looks like one! This came under UNESCO in 1984.

The floor below has a museum that talks about the life of Gaudi and more importantly all his important works in Barcelona. This floor is made of red bricks interior and the curved arched ceiling, a feature that I saw in Casa Batllo as well. This also has the miniature 3D models of all his architecture. 
While looking down to the lower floors from the terrace, the interior view of the windows isn't as fluid as Batllo. Unlike Batllo, this ones has a few straight lines. 
The floor below that was the re-creation or rather the preservation of the living space of the Mila family incl the kitchen, living room, bedroom etc. The way the rooms are placed and the way they are decorated esp, the windows & ceilings look so much like flower petals or butterfly wings!!! Nature inspired Art Nouveau, or rather Catalan Modernism, in every inch of Gaudi it is, indeed!!!
The whole building has 9 stories, but only the top 3 and ground floor are allowed for visitors. True to Gaudi's idea of self sufficiency, the whole building has a central courtyard that allows skylight to come in through the windows to all the rooms!!! 

The ceiling of the ground floor is one visual spectacle! The murals are inspired by plant life and sea life! The painted texture almost looks like moss and sea weed! Not just the paintings, but also the wrought iron grills of windows, staircase railings and door patterns are all flowy, botanical patterns. Frescoes were there around few of the windows of a few floors in a random way. Even the pillars have a fluid feel to them!
From there my next stop was Casa Vicens, built in 1883, again by Antoni Gaudi. This is how it looks from the street that leads to it? Notice anything strange??? Well, that's the life-size digital print on a flex banner, of the photograph of how the place looks like!!! Well, it was under renovation. It was never open to visitors, but now, after renovations, the plans are to open it for visits! I did catch a glimpse of its colorful flat tiles, 3 dimensional tiles, wrought iron grills, and wood & terracotta work in the midst of its closed railings. 
The next post is on Sagrada Familia - Gaudi's most important work, so it obviously needs an entire post by itself. The other UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Antoni Gaudi are Parque Güell (Park Guell), Palacio Güell (Guell Palace) and Crypt in Colonia Güell which I didn't get a chance to see. Esp., I feel miserable that I missed Park Guell which is such a vast, colorful, quirky place. Infact its so surreal that when I showed a pic of it to my guy, he just discarded it saying its photoshopped!!!!!

 My complete Barcelona Travelogue: Casa Battlo, Casa Mila & Casa Vicens, Sagrada Familia, Sant Pau Recinte Modernista

To Get There:
Nearest metro / bus stop for Casa Mila: Diagonal
Nearest metro / bus stop for Casa Vicens: Fontana
Entry fee at Casa Mila: €20.50 onwards (20% off with Barcelona Card) 
Can be bought online on their website.

P.S: I was invited by Casa Battlo to experience the site for review purpose, however the opinions are my own and this post does not to advertise the product/service.

Bhushavali

An ardent traveler by passion. Being an ex - Art History Teacher, my area of interest especially lies in Nature and Heritage. Visited 85 UNESCO World Heritage sites as of June 2022. I've been listed among the Top 7 Women Travel Bloggers of India, Top 50 in UK. I have been interviewed in a couple of TV Shows, Radio Channels and Events as well. Read more about me and read the testimonials of different brands

38 comments:

  1. ashokFebruary 7, 2017 at 6:38 PM

    Amazing Architecture!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Aneesha RaiFebruary 8, 2017 at 1:03 AM

    Reading your post is making me even more excited for my impending trip to Spain this August! Def gonna check these places out

    ReplyDelete
  3. MimiFebruary 8, 2017 at 2:14 PM

    Looks simply amazing, have always wanted to go to Spain. Don't know when I will have the chance to go seriously!

    ReplyDelete
  4. berlinFebruary 8, 2017 at 3:43 PM

    The structures are truly amazing. I haven't seen anything close to that. And that's the beauty of traveling. We get to see such unique structures and we will be left in awe for hours ir even days. I wonder how would I react if I have seen that in person. Lucky you to have experienced such beautiful sight.

    ReplyDelete
  5. FrancFebruary 8, 2017 at 5:07 PM

    The structures are so artsy. You have to admire the design, the creativity and the architecture.

    ReplyDelete
  6. RochFebruary 8, 2017 at 6:36 PM

    How to get the Barcelona card to get discount? These structures look really beautiful. I hope to get to visit Casa Mila also someday.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Katrina CentenoFebruary 8, 2017 at 6:45 PM

    This is fantastic! I now want to travel there! I used to be satisfied with just seeing the photos. With your post, there is so much to see there that I want to see the place too!

    ReplyDelete
  8. HendrikFebruary 8, 2017 at 7:55 PM

    Ah I remember these buildings! Being in Barcelona a couple of times, I just passed by there so far and had no idea that this is such an interesting spot! Of course I immediately see the Gaudi influence - so nice. Next time I will check out this place - for sure, thank you a lot for sharing this!

    ReplyDelete
  9. NehaFebruary 8, 2017 at 9:33 PM

    Such amazing architecture. I would particularly like to visit that museum that talks about the life of Gaudi. It would be so interesting.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Traveling TranslatorFebruary 8, 2017 at 10:11 PM

    Ah, Gaudi, what would Barcelona look like without you?
    We didn't visit any of the houses he designed during our visit, so it's nice to be able to look at your pictures. I think he would have been good friends with Tim Burton, they both have such a wild imagination!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Lydia@LifeuntraveledFebruary 8, 2017 at 11:33 PM

    I was so impressed by Gaudi's work when I visited Barcelona - he's a true architectural genius! Unfortunately, I didn't visit Casa Mila and Casa Vicens but they look just as unique true to Gaudi's style.

    ReplyDelete
  12. UnknownFebruary 9, 2017 at 1:33 AM

    I've visited Barcelona a few years ago. I love Gaudi's work. I visited Parc Guell and was very impressed. I've seen the Sagrada Familia as well. But there were working on it back then. WOndering if everything there is finished now. I love the pictures you made. Great to see some more of Gaudi's work. I hadn't visited this place when I was in Barcelona. When I get there again, I will.

    ReplyDelete
  13. UnknownFebruary 9, 2017 at 5:32 AM

    Wow! Makes me want to go to Spain right now! Their architecture is amazing. :) My favorite are the murals, I love the colors and the feel of nature on it. :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. UnknownFebruary 9, 2017 at 5:33 AM

    Barcelona is on my list to visit. These buildings are simply stunning. So much work has gone into them. I can't wait to visit! Ree love30

    ReplyDelete
  15. cre8toneFebruary 9, 2017 at 5:36 AM

    How I wish I could have a chance to visit these place in future.. So beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Herbert KikoyFebruary 9, 2017 at 6:15 AM

    Wow! Those architectures are really stunning. Well, im adding this to my list of places impossible to visit :D

    ReplyDelete
  17. TraveleretteFebruary 9, 2017 at 6:23 AM

    Casa Mila was one of my favorite places in Barcelona. Like you, I was amazed by Gaudi's creativity. (And I was also amazed at the wine bottles he used in his designs!) Sadly I did not get to see Casa Vicens on my trip. Next time!

    ReplyDelete
  18. UnknownFebruary 9, 2017 at 7:07 AM

    Never seen such a stunning building. Casa mila defenitly just made it on my bucketlist. Great post with amazing pictures, really showing the buildings structure and its beauty!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Sheila floresFebruary 9, 2017 at 7:21 AM

    I love when someone talk about barcelona and its architecture like this! Every detail in these buildings are amazing and totally worth the visit. Gaudi's style is from a different world! I've lived my whole life in the city and I always need to take one more picture of the facades.
    Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  20. The Travel NinjasFebruary 9, 2017 at 8:41 AM

    Gaudi was such a visionary genius. These buildings are gorgeous and just draw you in. They make you want to enter and interact with them. Have you ever heard of the Crazy House in Dalat Vietnam? The artist there was highly influenced by Gaudi. It's worth a look too.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Blair VillanuevaFebruary 9, 2017 at 9:31 AM

    I want to visit Spain soon as this is also part of our culture being a Filipino :) Viva Espania!

    ReplyDelete
  22. UnknownFebruary 9, 2017 at 2:22 PM

    It's my first time seeing knowing about Casa Mila and Casa Vicens Such amazing architecture :) To think it's not just a chimney, but it has another purpose. And the colors of it, so awesome! I'm definitely putting it in my bucket list.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Jason P.February 9, 2017 at 2:38 PM

    Barcelona truly is one of my dream places to go to. The architecture is simply just so breathtaking! :D

    ReplyDelete
  24. ZeeGoesFebruary 9, 2017 at 3:19 PM

    I went to Barcelona a few years ago but didn't bother to check out the unique Gaudi buildings...my obvious loss :(

    ReplyDelete
  25. CarlinnFebruary 9, 2017 at 4:40 PM

    The architecture is so interesting especially because it has a use as well. Spain is definitely on my bucket list for travelling this year, there are so many beautiful things to see!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Carmela HerreraFebruary 9, 2017 at 7:10 PM

    Another post about Spain, every time I read a travel post about Spain it just makes me want to speed up my passport and travel the place! Only problem is, money haha!

    ReplyDelete
  27. CykaFebruary 9, 2017 at 7:27 PM

    Art overload, I can't gut over with the design and different structures. I have a friend who just visited Barcelona for her first makeup workshop and I told her how I wish my passion would bring me to that beautiful place and this post view and pictures ignite the dream all the more

    ReplyDelete
  28. Miriam ErnstFebruary 9, 2017 at 7:35 PM

    I love this architecture, it is very interesting! I'd like to visit soon. Also you took beautiful pictures.

    ReplyDelete
  29. MariaFebruary 9, 2017 at 7:57 PM

    Damn. This place is so exquisite! The architecture is just so brilliant! Truly, architecture flourishes deeply in Barcelona. This reminds me of a Filipino film that was shot in Barcelona. Hopefully, I could see those for myself soon!

    ReplyDelete
  30. UnknownFebruary 10, 2017 at 12:13 PM

    I love Barcelona and this was one of my favourite places when I visited...erm...many years ago!! I must go back! Great pictures!

    ReplyDelete
  31. The Graceful MistFebruary 10, 2017 at 1:12 PM

    The architectures are quite unique and amazing to look at. I hope I can also visit Barcelona someday. Spain colonized the Philippines for hundreds of years which is why I`m also quite curious what Spain is like.

    ❀ Grace ❀

    ReplyDelete
  32. Raine PalFebruary 10, 2017 at 1:21 PM

    The design, the arts, the architectural are so amazing! First thing that comes in my mind is..it's all more about stones..but reading it.. it is more than that. It is more of the CULTURE and the BELIEFS of the people living there. I love it! Very unique!

    ReplyDelete
  33. jared's mumFebruary 10, 2017 at 10:49 PM

    Spain is a very interesting and eclectic place. It sure will be a feast for the senses to pay this lovely country a visit. I would be very delighted to sample their authentic churros and see Gaudi's masterpiece upclose!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Elizabeth O.February 13, 2017 at 9:29 PM

    The structure is amazing and interesting. I wonder what they where thinking while doing that.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Fred SaidFebruary 14, 2017 at 6:22 AM

    Of the Gaudi houses, these were the ones we did not have time to visit. Thank you for bringing us inside. Gaudi architecture is really very distinctive in its uniqueness.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Cez of eTrampingFebruary 16, 2017 at 3:04 AM

    That architecture! What an intriguing place. Love your post.

    ReplyDelete
  37. SandySeptember 9, 2017 at 6:02 PM

    I had a gorgeous time here. Actually most of Barcelona and Gaudi's works made it worthwhile. Casa Mila continued to be unusual like the rest of them :-)

    ReplyDelete
  38. EmilyApril 28, 2019 at 10:38 PM

    Wow, Antoni Gaudiis the most beautiful architect I have ever seen. The way the building flow and that they all have a purpose. I am amazed!

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for visiting...! Why not leave a comment.? And tell your friends..!!!
By commenting you accept to our GDPR Policy.