Casa Batlló continues to reveal Gaudí’s secrets. The emblematic modernist building on Passeig de Gràcia has just completed the restoration of its rear facade and the private courtyard of the Noble Floor, two areas little known to the general public and which, after decades of alterations and renovations, are once again sporting the original appearance that Antoni Gaudí designed in 1906.
The intervention, which involved an investment of 3.5 million euros, was the first comprehensive restoration of these spaces. A multidisciplinary team of experts and local craftsmen has worked for months to recover lost original elements, such as the planters next to the ventilation courtyards or the parabolic heather pergola that presided over the center of the courtyard.
What has been remodeled
On the rear façade, the stucco, the glass and ceramic trencadís, the pavement mosaic and the emblematic wrought iron railings have been restored. The wooden balconies and windows, many of them deteriorated after decades of disrespectful interventions, have also been restored to their original state.
One of the most exciting parts of the process, as explained by the architect in charge, Xavier Villanueva, was discovering the original colors hidden under layers of paint thanks to stratigraphic analysis: “The current facade is like the photographic negative of the previous one. This remodeling has allowed us to get to the essence of Gaudí”.
In addition to the architectural restoration, the project has highlighted the value of traditional craft techniques, working in parallel in specialized workshops and in the building itself. “We continue to unveil Gaudí’s genius and we do so by highlighting the mastery of artisan skills,” said Gary Gautie, general manager of Casa Batlló.
The trick to see it for free
The back façade of Gaudí’s building can obviously be visited by paying the Casa Batlló entrance fee and enjoying a guided tour of the building.
But there is another free option, a classic for the Barcelona locals in the know. If you leave Casa Batlló behind and turn down Aragón street, you will immediately find Servei Estació, the largest and most famous hardware store in Barcelona, an entire building dedicated to do-it-yourselfers.
Just enter it and go to the stairs at the back. There, each landing has a large window overlooking the inner courtyard that Servei Estació shares with Casa Batlló, and offers a great panoramic view of the facade of Gaudí’s building without paying a single euro.