Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí's Casa Mila (called as "La Pedrera" by the locals) is one of the main sights of Barcelona and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Casa Mila did not meet any of the traditional standards of architecture at that time (1906). So locals called it as “La Pedrera" in Catalan, which literally translates to “stone quarry”, referring to the rough appearance of the building.
From the exterior, Casa Mila appears like a massive rock, broken by wavy lines and iron ornaments and stands with a bright , colourless self-supporting stone façade.
1. Roof-terrace : The Roof-terrace of Casa Mila is an icon of Barcelona that offers spectacular views of the city. It is a remarkable space that exudes an artistic presence and is unlike anything else built at that time.
2. Espai Gaudi : The Casa Mila attic is the most characterful space in Gaudi’s architecture. Crossing its threshold is like entering a vast living, breathing being.
3. Pedrera Apartment: Situated on the fourth storey above the main floor, this apartment shows how a bourgeois family in Barcelona lived in the opening 30 years or so of the 20th century.
4. Courtyards: Colour springs to life in the courtyards of Casa Mila. The walls are a veritable display of shapes, light and colours that contrast with the soberness of the façade.
5. Exhibition: The main floor was given over to the apartment of the Milàs, the first owners of the building and the people who commissioned Gaudí to design it.
How to get there: Take Metro (Lines 3 or 5) and get down at “estació Diagonal” stop. You can also take bus (lines 16,17,V17) depends on the direction of your starting point.
As Casa Mila is one of the top attractions of Barcelona, so there can be huge crowd in the entrances, especially during peak tourist seasons. Below are some useful ways to skip the crowd.
It’s an amazing treasure for the people who’re so into arts & architecture, but not worth the money (€ 22) and waiting time for a regular tourist. I would recommend you to ask yourself about what kind of visitor you are - before going to Casa Mila; otherwise you may get disappointed.