• Brief description: Casa Batlló is one of the most famous works of Catalan art nouveau architect Antoni Gaudí. It's impressive not only for its spectacular facade but also its interior. On the "manzana de la discordia", or "block of discord", so called because along with this building the block features other works by contemporary art nouveau architects of radically different styles: Casa Amatller, which abuts the Gaudí building, by Josep Puig i Cadafalch; Casa Lleó Morera, by Lluís Domènech i Montaner (Passeig de Gràcia 35); and Casa Mulleras, by Enric Sagnier i Villavecchia (no. 37).
• Symbology: Casa Batlló depicts the dragon slain by Saint Jordi, patron saint of Catalonia. On the facade, you can observe the multi-coloured skin of the dragon, while the columns of the lower level represent the bones of knights gobbled up by the beast. The balconies represent the helmets of these knights. The roof of the house is intended to be the dragon's scaly back, while the tower represents the sword of Saint Jordi plunged into its skin. You can also see how the hilt represents Saint Jordi's cross, though some people find in it a symbol of Gaudi's supposed Freemasonry affiliation.
• Cost: 21.50€. Expensive, but without a doubt worth it. Includes audio guide.
• Length of visit: 1hr.
• Hours: Every day of the year from 9.00 to 21.00 (timetable may change due to booking of rooms for engagements and conferences. Check Casa Batlló web page).
• How to get there: Passeig de Gracia 43 (close to the intersection with Carrer Aragó). If you follow our route, you can walk there (7 min from La Pedrera). Metro: Passeig de Gràcia (line 5).