Pg de Gràcia 43,
Passeig de Gràcia

Antoni Gaudí created this fantastical residence for the wealthy textile industrialist Josep Batlló in 1904. Working from the existing building Gaudí tore down the original facade and replaced it with the rippling polychrome ceramics facing we see today. Interior usually closed to the public, tours were made available during Gaudí's commemorative year in 2002, and may continue. Please check for details.

This elaborate, magnificently decorated residence is said to have been based upon the mystical legend of George and the Dragon. The noduled spine of the dragon draping across the rooftop, with the skeletal window balconies portraying the bones of those who have tried unsuccessfully to slay the wild beast.

The undulating textured surface, a scaly skin of mosaic and plate-like disks, transforms the creature into a magical beauty. Best seen at night -- the rainbow colours glint outwards, bouncing off ceramic and through wonderful stained glass.

contributors: Debbie Stubbs (& Nigel Hayler- Place Details)