Discover the inspiration behind Catalan modernism at La Pedrera
Barcelona is one of the world’s idyllic paradises of architecture. Strolling through the city’s streets and avenues gives you a glimpse into the vivid imaginations of the architects who captured such beauty in their work. Catalan modernism is one of the hallmarks of the city, so in today’s post, we’re going to introduce you to La Pedrera, also known as Casa Milà, one of the city’s true architectural gems.
La Pedrera, a World Heritage Site
Since 1984, La Pedrera has been officially designated a World Heritage Site. This well-deserved recognition will be only too clear to see and understand when you cast your eyes over this great building for the first time.
It also has a rich history. In 1909, Casa Milà ran into trouble with the city authorities and was on the verge of being demolished. The reason for the trouble? Leaders questioned the legality of its construction by invading part of the public highway. In the end, the city council of the day came to understand the importance and quality of the landmark, eventually deciding to permit the building to stay.
In 2014, the building’s exterior was completely restored by polishing and rebuilding some of the damaged sections on the stone façade, in order to preserve the quality of this valuable modernist architectural treasure.
Gaudí captured modernism forever in La Pedrera
In 1905, the Milà family commissioned Gaudí to build a property that would clearly demonstrate the family’s importance to onlookers and wider society. Gaudí decided to construct the exterior of this famous building in carved stone, leading to its common name, La Pedrera, or ‘the stone quarry’.
The façade is built from calcareous stone with more than 150 windows to give light and a feeling of openness to the rooms inside. Gaudí broke with the style of the time to lend the building a fantasy edge, modernism in its purest form in typical Gaudí style as we’ve come to know.
After serving the Milà family for a number of years, La Pedrera went through several different uses – apartments, an inn, even a bingo hall – before ending up the cultural centre you can visit and enjoy today.
At HCC Hotels, we encourage all our guests to discover the secrets of modernism in Barcelona by exploring the beautiful streets and avenues throughout our great city.
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