“There are no straight lines or sharp corners in nature. Therefore, buildings must have no straight lines or sharp corners.” – Antoni Gaudi
What is the story of Casa Mila?
Casa Mila, or as it’s called by the locals, La Pedrera, is considered as one of the best preserved buildings built by Antoni Gaudi in Barcelona. This is due to the tireless work of the cleaning and restoration department of the building – the Catalunya-La Pedrera Foundation. It is fortunate for us to say that in today’s time, you will find this façade in the same condition as it was when Gaudi built it.
The Casa Mila is already recognized as a unique piece of architecture and most importantly, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984. However, it can be a challenge to keep it well tended in such a modern and busy city such as Barcelona.
The typical work done to restore the building includes removing rust, filling cracks, welding metal, repainting shutters, and replacing tiles. In order to prevent damp or discoloration, the balconies are waterproofed. The restoration process has taken place about three times most recently in 2014-15, since the construction was completed.
About Casa Mila (La Pedrera)
‘La Pedrera’ is a reference to the rough and apparently the natural stone façade of this building, and translates as ‘stone quarry’. Pere Milà commissioned it as rental apartments and a family home in the up-and-coming Eixample district. Two separate blocks are hidden in its single façade, along with two courtyards within.
The initial impressions of the finished buildings were not favorable, ironically speaking. The press compared it to an Easter cake and made fun of it. The other residents of the Passeig de Gràcia believed that this building would lower the value of their own houses and considered it a joke. As a result, Mr. Milà became quite unpopular.
Actually, Casa Milà was one of Gaudi’s last works in Barcelona. Some have said this building is his most creative expression of the Modernisme architectural movement. Still, when he was compelled by the religious to install a large Virgin Mary on the roof, his relationship with it ended badly. Gaudi abandoned the project as Mr. Mila wasn’t very keen with his work.
The Casa Mila has now become a cultural hub which houses art performances, exhibitions, and debates in the same spirit of challenge as its architect. Be sure to see the roof and attic when you visit this building. The chimneys are bizarre and look like giant ice-cream treats.
Opening hours
Casa Mila opens from Sunday at 9.00 am – 8.30 pm and 9 pm to 11 pm.
Address
Casa Milà (La Pedrera), Passeig de Gràcia, 92. 08008, Barcelona.
How to get there?
By bus
Take the bus from lines 7,16,17, 22, 24 or V17
By train
Take the train from RENFE to Passeig de Gràcia
By metro
Take the metro from lines 3 and 5, estació Diagonal
Included benefits and times
It involves an exclusive small group guided tour
The timing is from June 1st to September 30th
Coffee or a different drink will be available at the “La Pedrera Cafe”
Guided tour in English: Thursdays and Fridays at 8:00 am
Guided tour in Spanish: Saturdays at 8:00 am
Cost of Tickets
The cost of a single ticket starts from €22.00 and can go up to €52.00.
Booking Policy
It is really easy to book the tickets. You simply have to enter the amount of persons you would like to book for on the correct website and place your transaction.
After booking, you will immediately receive a confirmation that your booking was successful.
You will receive a confirmation message and a voucher within 24 hours of booking. Kindly print out the voucher and show it when you start your tour. The tour will take place in all kinds of weather.
Cancellation Policy
Up to 48 hours prior to the event, you can cancel a booked tour for free. Don’t worry about the refund, you’ll get it soon after.
Refund won’t be possible in case of a no show or a later cancellation.
You can easily cancel the tour via an e-mail stating your booking code.
Source: ArticleCube