Barcelona Weekend Break

Casa Milla

The Casa Milla or "la pedrera" (the quarry) is possibly the second most famous of Gaudi's Barcelona buildings and it was constructed between the years of 1905 and 1907. You find the Casa Milla on the "Passeig de Gracia".

As with all of Gaudi's designs, this building falls in to the category of "love it" or "hate it" and it has been alternatively described as simulating the dunes of a desert and representing a cliff perforated by caves. Dissenters of Gaudi's work often use rather less complementary analogies.

The Casa Milla has numerous eye catching features, but the ornate and intricately decorated chimneys form a well known landmark on the horizon of Barcelona and were the source of intense renovation and refurbishment some years ago. The building was also cleaned and is now restored to its formative light grey appearance. (It is now the office of a major bank.)

Gaudi's actual intention with the Casa Milla was to ensure that, irrespective of the time of day, some part of the buildings interior would always be subjected to natural sunlight and this, in part, explains its highly perforated facades and sumptuous curves. Both these elements seek to encourage light into the building.

Internally the Casa Milla represents just as big a spectacle with the flamboyant shapes and undulations of the external elevations repeated inside the rooms within. The Casa Milla is a truly spectacular building in every way and on every level and even those who do not like it still marvel at its almost preposterous aesthetics.

To both "Gaudi" and "modernist" fans, the Casa Milla is seen as the epitome of the modernist movement and many consider it to be Gaudi's most stylish and accomplished design.

Tourist information

The Casa Milla is open from 10.00am to 8.00pm with extended opening hours up to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays during the summer months.

There is an exhibition area in the attic space with usually has something of interest on display.

As a special treat you can experience the "la Pedrera de Nit", where you get the opportunity to listen to music whilst enjoying a glass of cava on the almost surreal undulating roof of the Casa Milla – and all at night.