Toward the end of the 19th century, a new style of architecture, Modernisme, was born in Barcelona. Antoni Gaudí is the most well-known architect of this highly-original style. Modernisme championed light, ventilation, curves, and nature. Two of Gaudí's residential projects, Casa Milà (aka La Pedrera, meaning "the Stone Quarry") and Casa Batlló are open to the public.
Casa Milà is an eight-floor apartment block designed around two open courtyards. There are no straight walls anywhere in the building. Visitors are able to walk on the roof deck and admire the whimsical sculpted ducts and chimneys.
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| One of the light and airy open courtyards. |
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| Some of the chimneys and ducts are known as "witch scarers" because of their threatening appearance. |
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| Up on the roof. |
Casa Batlló, considered Gaudí's masterpiece, recently opened to the public for the first time in history despite the upper floors being occupied.
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| Ornamentation of the central interior air and light shaft. |
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| Shades of blue tile are darker at the top and lighter at the bottom to create the effect of more even light distribution. |
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| Living room ceiling and front window. |
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| View from the front window onto Passeig de Gracia. |
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| Decoration on one of the rear balconies. |
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| Up on the roof. |
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| Many architects hide chimneys; Gaudi celebrated them! |
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| Gaudi bids visitors a fond farewell. |
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