La Pedrera - Visit the Most Iconic Building in Barcelona

The name 'La Pedrera' translates to 'the quarry house'. Due to the unusual construction and design, the building got its nickname, Casa Mila.

The facade has irregular shapes that reminds one of the quarries! Hence, it was named the Quarry House.

According to Gaudi, the Casa Mila building is his most advanced approach to a building design! The building consists of two blocks of apartments, each apartment having its own entrance, with two interconnected courtyards alongside having a ramp down to the garage for vehicles!

If you look at the house from the front side, you can make out a striking resemblance to a massive rock that is broken only by few iron ornaments and has wavy lines! Unlike Gaudi's other works, this building has a colorless facade and a bright stone, that makes it look very expressionistic!

Gaudi deliberately used very little paint in the entire building and left the materials in their natural colors! His primary focus was on keeping the design pretty organic.

The interior of the building is as amazing as the exterior! Due to the design, there's a natural ventilation system in the building that keeps the building cool, so there's absolutely no need to get an air conditioner!

Gaudi also designed the courtyards in such a way that the buildings receive immense natural light.

A few walls inside the building have paintings of flowers and mythological references.

The Belletage which is translated to the beautiful floor was originally reserved for the owners whereas the space above this floor was reserved for the tenants and the employees. Today, the Art of Museum of Fundacio Catalunya is operational from this floor.

Visit the attic of the house to see an extensive exhibition about Gaudi's life and buildings.

The Espai Gaudi, the attic of the house, has about 270 catenary arches that represent the skeleton of a whale!

The stairs that lead the way to the entrance are wound up along the walls. As per Gaudi's initial plans, a lift was supposed to be installed in the building. However, it was only recently that the lift was added.

The courtyards are decorated with natural round shapes in natural colors.

The roof of the house is one of the most beautiful spots. The chimneys, staircases and the ventilation shafts are uniquely designed in shapes that make them a treat to watch!

There are about 28 chimneys known as the 'espantabruixes'. Few chimneys look like the medieval knights who are guarding the roof.

In 1984, the building was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with other works of Gaudi.