Casa Amatller, Barcelona Overview

Built-in Monderisme style, the Casa Amatller is a museum adjacent to Gaudi’s Casa Batlló. It was designed originally as a residence for chocolatier Antoni Amatller. The facade consists of elements such as glass, photography, and chocolate.

It makes up one-third of Barcelona’s lionised Illa de la Discòrdia, the Block of Discord.The Casa Amatller was designed by Josep Puig i Cadafalch. It was declared an artistic and historical monument in 1976. Now only the ground floor is open to visitors since it is the only part of the house which has still preserved the intricately designed stained glass windows of the Modernista era.

Incorporating Germanic elements, this neo-Gothic mansion sports some of the most detailed sculpture compositions on its archways. Some guided tours allow you access to Antoni Amatller’s bedroom. An art lover’s paradise, the monument has several priceless pieces adorning its walls.

History of Casa Amatller

In 1898 the house, originally created by Antoni Robert in 1875, was purchased by chocolatier Antonio Amatller Costa and redesigned by Catalan Spanish Modernista architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch. The construction of Casa Amatller was finalised in 1900. Like most Modernista architects at the time, Puig i Cadafalch collaborated with local craftsmen to add details to the structure.

Architecture of Casa Amatller

doorway, Casa Amatller, wrought iron, architecture — Source

The Catalan structure heavily draws from neo-Gothic Modernista styles and incorporates some Germanic elements. The flat façade of the building hides several details in plain sight. Among these are decorative motifs of almond tree flowers since Amatller means almond tree in Catalan and the wrought iron gates hide an ‘A’ formed from gargoyles. The urban Gothic dwelling has a single palazzo broken by a Germanic bridged cornice, highlighted by ceramic tiles.

Tips

Because of the fragility of the mosaic floor, stiletto heels are not allowed, so make sure you wear/carry some alternative footwear.

At the end of the tour you are offered a sweet treat from Amatller’s collection so make sure you stick around.

How To Reach Casa Amatller

Bus, Metro or Train and other options are relevant public transportation alternatives that may be used to reach your destination. The following transit lines have routes that pass near Casa Amatller –

1. Metro: L2, L3, L4

2. Train: R2N, R2S, R3, RG1, S7

3. Bus: 102, 7, H10, H12