Casa Mila, La pedrera. ~ Barcelona to Do

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Casa Mila, La pedrera.

8:41 PM Lizz No comments

Casa Mila, La pedrera.

What to do in Barcelona? If you visit only one Gaudi building, Mila House, or La Pedrera is the place to choose. Built for the Mila family as a residence it earned the nickname 'La Predera' as a derogatory term. It means 'the quarry'. It was not well received in 1910 by the public and they chose to call it 'la pedrera' because its outer limestone walls and wrought iron balconies reminded them somewhat of the cliffs of a stone quarry.

Today it is considered the prime example of Gaudi's civil (as opposed to religious) works. Inside there are some really nice models of his planning and of the building with its revolutionary staircase and chimneys.

The model of how he invented a means to plan the unusually shaped vaulted ceilings is fascinating - well before his time. There is a choice of a complete audio guide or a shorter version, both are free.

The complete version is excellent - about 1 hour if memory serves me. The free short videos, with some seating scattered about, are both educational and entertaining. There are examples of the furniture he designed for the family home and a couple of rooms with period furnishings.

To my regret I was there on a rainy day and the roof was closed because it is slippery when wet. But I did manage to view some of the chimneys through the windows.

The building is handicapped friendly except for the roof. It is a World Heritage site since 1984.

Open:
November to February: Monday to Sunday, 9am-6.30pm
March to October: Monday to Sunday, 9am-8pm
Senior and student discounts.

Closed: 25th and 26th December, 1st and 6th January and usually 1 more week in January

Address: Passeig de Gràcia 92, Carrer Provenca 261

Phone: 93 484 5900