Oh My Gaudi! Being Broadsided by Casa Batllo in Barcelona

I didn’t think I would like Gaudi.  In fact, from what I had seen, I thought his creations were flamboyant, showy and, well…gaudy.  Thank goodness it rained that fateful day in Spain.

Facade of Casa Battlo

I was in Barcelona and, being the dutiful tourist, I of course was going to mark off having visited the obligatory Gaudi sites. You know, Sagrada Familia, Casa Batllo, Parc Guel and Casa Mila. I rambled up the Ramblas, the famous pedestrian street thronged by locals and visitors alike, and found myself standing in front of the multi-storied edifice of Casa Batllo (43 Paseo de Gracia).  I was so far, unimpressed, and no doubt preoccupied with the fact I was getting soaked, having no rain gear….

Inside looking out; a new perspective. Casa Battlo

How little I understood of what I was viewing! You see, I love all things in nature…animals, oceans, trees, patterns, and it seems these same elements inspired Antoni Gaudi in his spectacular pioneering work.  But so far, I was ignorant of this fact. Had it been a clear day, I would have moved on, having seen this structure, and having more things to savor in Barcelona.  As it was, the sky had opened up and it made walking in the street an uncomfortable prospect, so I purchased a ticket for entry and there the romance began.

This ornate and beautifully colorful vase greets you in the entry of Casa Battlo (note the dappled pattern on the walls)

Colored glass windows continue the enchanting patterns flowing throughout Casa Battlo

Everything inside this residence is a magical and extraordinary tribute to nature. The delicate patterns on the never-straight walls emulate the undulating patterns of light on water…or is it a nod to the shell of a sea turtle? Either way, Gaudi had me at “hola”.  I spent hours gawking at his engineering feats as well as his love of the aesthetic and playful. He is sincere…his love for nature and the strength of natural elements and forms drives his designs and structures. Everything has a reason, meaning, purpose. Nothing is a straight line, except the floor – and even there, I’m not so sure.

“I don’t build in order to have clients. I have clients in order to build.” Antoni Gaudi

Roof and spires of Gaudi's Casa Battlo

Up on the roof (don’t miss this) the tiled roof line is said to symbolize the spine of the dragon slain by St. George, patron saint of Catalonia, and the custom chimney spire represents the hilt of his sword.  Be still my heart…fairy tales, legends and nature…what is there not to love about this passionate architect/sculptor/artist? I love being broadsided…having my preconceived ideas and opinions jolted off their foundations and flipped upside down. I hope you enjoyed this journey, too…and I strongly recommend putting Gaudi on your Spanish “to do” list.

So tell me. Have you ever been broadsided in your travels? Has anything you expected to be dull and uninteresting captivated you against your will? If so, I’d love to hear it in the comments section below! Thanks for sharing in my travels.

Mosaic wall detail, back patio of Casa Battlo

This post, written by me, was originally published over on the Spain Holidays blog. Reprinted here with permission – and a shared love of all things Spain! Have a look at my other stories of Spain and their entire library of great articles for travelers.

All photos by Gina Stark

For more on my love of Spain, see: Six Reasons to Savor Spain

and Seville Spain: A Happiness Theory and My “New Math”