Thursday's Child: Casa Batllo, Barcelona

Thursday, June 16, 2011


Casa Batllo was another of Antoni Gaudi’s private commissions in Barcelona.  Like La Pedrera, it was built on Barcelona’s iconic street, Passeig de Gracia, and avoids any use of straight lines.  Irregular windows and balconies, and the extensive use of glass and the colour blue in the interior, lend it a beguiling appearance. 


Casa Batllo, both stately and enchanting, feels like it was lifted from a modernist fairy tale and set down in the middle of Barcelona.  As we explored the silent rooms we could have been stepping into the long-dormant castle of Sleeping Beauty.  The lovely princess, cursed to sleep for one hundred years, must have been as captivated by its artistry as the prince who came to rescue her.


Shielded for one hundred years, the enchanted castle looms.


A rooftop beacon to Prince Charming.


Flowers set in stone could only be the hallmark of a castle cursed by an evil fairy.


The inner courtyard, illuminated by sunlight.


34 comments:

Joanne said...

The architecture of these is breathtaking!

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

Amazing! I also like the backdrop of moody clouds.

Rita said...

While watching Jeopardy the other night, Alex mentionned Gaudi's work in Barcelona. I was so happy to find examples of his talent here this morning. Thank you Beth.
Rita

Jess said...

So uniquely beautiful. Wish I could have seen it in person, but this is the next best thing :)

Barbara said...

Lovely, Beth. I remember thinking it was a fairyland when I was there. Always something wonderful and enchanting to look at and admire.

Beth said...

Rita, who knew that Alex and I were on the same wavelength?

Jess, maybe you'll make it back to Spain someday! It's a beautiful country, and we saw such a small part of it. I hope to get back again, too.

chow and chatter said...

loved this place :-) so ahead of its time

Unknown said...

Hi Beth,
Like you, I am a lover of Spain, particularly Barcelona and Fruit desserts in Summer, your Raspberry buttermilk cake really caught my eye. I'm planning a trip to Europe right now so your photos and travel journals are inspiring me, thanks for sharing;-)

Carol said...

Beautiful, the architecture, the windows, just beautiful!

shaz said...

What a delightful ramble through your modernist fairy-tale Beth. Made me smile, thank you :)

Angie's Recipes said...

Beautiful architecture!!

Valerie Gamine said...

That last photo is stunning, and I love the stormy background in the others. Very moody and beautiful.

Lisa | Authentic Suburban Gourmet said...

What beautiful photos! Have always wanted to visit Spain and in particular Barcelona. Have a great week!!

Belinda said...

What gorgeous photos - oh, makes me so want to get there again.

Needful Things said...

So unique & so beautiful. I absolutely love it - you're right, it is straight out of a fairy tale. Would love to see it one day.

Janet Johnson said...

Oh my goodness, what a beautiful building! Loved it!

Lydia Kang said...

I'd never seen the stained glass part in this building before. Thanks for posting. I love Gaudi's whimsy!

Emily Malloy said...

Be-ay-uuuu-tiful!

Gloria Baker said...

Beth always you have lovely pictures, looks beauty! gloria

Susan Fields said...

What beautiful photos - thanks for sharing! And I left you an award on my blog today. :)

Stina said...

I think I'm going to move to europe. Their architecture is much more interesting than what we have in our city.

laxsupermom said...

Beautiful pics! It's been nearly 2 decades since I've traveled to Europe, and the hubs has never been out of the states(well Canada doesn't count when you live so close to the border.) We really need to make the time to travel. Thanks for sharing your vacation pics.

Chain said...

Very inspiring, is this all done by yourself? :) followed by the way..

Anonymous said...

I love the courtyard! It really does look like a fairy tale castle.

Anonymous said...

Just beautiful!

Anonymous said...

I've got to get out more and see more places. Love to take the kids and expose them to European culture like this.

tinajo said...

Fantastic, thanks for sharing! :-)

Sue said...

What a beautiful castle! My grandpa was from Spain and I'd love to go there someday.

Liz That Skinny Chick Can Bake said...

Ah, these photos are giving me the itch to travel. what interesting architecture...I hope to get to Spain one day~

Aldy said...

Hola Beth... this is simple lovely! Beautifully inspired pics :)

Have a wonderful day,

Aldy.

Claudia said...

It seems so whimsical - a place where history and romance merges. A place I would like to visit - but for today am happy to have found it here.

Lorraine said...

Amazing! What a wonderful place to see:)

Anonymous said...

The inner courtyard is breathtaking! What an interesting building.

Anonymous said...

Barcelona is top on my places to visit list.
The roof is stunning!

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