Batlló

Batlló, commonly referred to as Casa Batlló, is a landmark building on Passeig de Gràcia in Barcelona, Spain. It was redesigned by Antoni Gaudí in 1904–1906 for Josep Batlló i Casanovas, a textile magnate who owned the property, transforming an existing 19th‑century residence into a prime example of Catalan Modernisme.

The exterior façade is renowned for its flowing, undulating stonework, a multicolored trencadís mosaic, and wrought‑iron balconies that are often described as bone‑like or skull‑shaped. The roof is arched and clad in ceramic tiles arranged to resemble a dragon’s back, crowned by a lantern‑like turret. Inside, Gaudí employed organic forms, curved walls, and a light‑well system to maximize natural illumination and ventilation, creating a sequence of airy, sculptural spaces.

Casa Batlló is considered one of Gaudí’s masterpieces and a key work of Catalan Modernisme. In 2005, it was inscribed as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Works of Antoni Gaudí," recognizing its significance within his body of work and the broader Modernisme movement.

Today, Casa Batlló operates as a museum and cultural venue, offering guided tours and exhibitions that explore Gaudí’s design philosophy, the building’s history, and the wider Modernisme era. The name Batlló reflects the former owner, Josep Batlló i Casanovas, who commissioned the refurbishment.