Discover Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera, one of Antoni Gaudí’s must-see masterpieces in Barcelona. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about visiting this architectural gem. Plus, get practical tips on booking tickets and insider tips making the most of your experience.
Table of contents
- What is Casa Milà?
- Tickets Casa Milà – La Pedrera
- Practical information
- How to get to La Pedrera?
- What can you expect at Casa Milà – La Pedrera?
- History and architecture of Casa Milà
- FAQs Casa Milà – La Pedrera
What is Casa Milà?
Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera, is one of Antoni Gaudí’s iconic creations along the famous Passeig de Gràcia in Barcelona’s Eixample district. Commissioned by the wealthy Catalan Pere Milà, nowadays is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. If you’re short on time and prioritizing major highlights like the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and Camp Nou, Casa Milà might seem like a secondary choice—but if you’ve already seen the Sagrada Família or if you’re too late to get tickets, La Pedrera offers a unique Gaudí experience you won’t want to miss.
Tickets Casa Milà – La Pedrera
Entry ticket with Self-Audioguide Tour
The essential ticket to La Pedrera grants access to one of the apartments in Casa Milà, the intriguing Espai Gaudí exhibition, the mysterious attic, and the iconic rooftop terrace with its unique sculptures and chimneys. The ticket also includes an English audio guide, offering engaging stories about Gaudí’s vision and design for the house. Tickets are priced at €28 for those aged 18 and over, €19 for seniors and students, €13,50 for youth aged 12-17, and free for children under 7.
La Pedrera Night Experience
Skip the lines to one of Barcelona’s most iconic buildings and watch an amazing audiovisual display on the roof terrace. Get a short introduction to Gaudi’s revolutionary building on the Passeig de Gracia, and see multiple projections in the stairwells. A glass of cava is included in the price. The cost is €39 per person and €19 for children aged 7 to 12 years. Children under 12 years old can join for free. This tour is available in English, Spanish, Catalan, and Chinese.
Practical information
| Casa Milà | Tickets, openings hours & public transportation |
|---|---|
| Tickets | Tickets €28 Book online now Youth 12-17 years €13,50 Book online now Students and seniors (65+) €19 Book online now Children under 12 can enter for free (just make sure you order a ticket) Book online now |
| Address | Passeig de Gràcia 92 (Eixample) |
| Public transportation / subway | Metro: Passeig de Gràcia (L3 and L5) Bus: V15, V17, H10, H8, 7, 22, 24, 6, 33, 34 Hop-On Hop-Off bus |
| Opening hours | Monday – Sunday: 9.00 am till 8.30 pm On January 1st, La Pedrera opens at 11.00 am and closes at 8.30 pm Closed on December 25th |
How to get to La Pedrera?
Metro
Reaching Casa Milà by metro is easy. The closest station is Passeig de Gràcia, where metro lines L2 (purple line), L3 (green line), and L4 (yellow line) all stop.
Walking
If you’re in the city center, walking to Casa Milà is a great option. La Pedrera is located near the top of the elegant Passeig de Gràcia. From Plaça Catalunya, it’s about a 15-minute walk—unless you’re tempted to stop by the many stunning shops along the way. Don’t forget to look up as you stroll to admire the mix of modernist and contemporary architecture.
Cycling
Cycling to La Pedrera from the city center is also convenient. It takes about 10 minutes from Plaça Catalunya.
Hop-on Hop-off bus
Both Bus Turístic routes (the blue and red routes) stop right opposite La Pedrera.
What can you expect at Casa Milà – La Pedrera?
Façade
Casa Milà, or La Pedrera, features a stunning limestone façade that resembles natural rock formations or a coral reef. The wavy balconies evoke seaweed, while the flowing lines of the building give it a dynamic, organic feel. This unique design earned it the nickname “La Pedrera,” meaning “the quarry.”
Interior highlights
- Furnished Apartment: Visit a beautifully preserved apartment on the fourth floor to see how Barcelona’s wealthy lived in the early 20th century. The rooms are decorated with period furniture, offering a glimpse into the elegant lifestyle of the era.
- Patios: Gaudí designed two large courtyards that enhance natural light and ventilation. The walls are adorned with colorful murals featuring floral motifs, creating a vibrant and artistic atmosphere.
- Rooftop Terrace: The terrace is home to 30 chimneys and two ventilation towers, showcasing Gaudí’s trencadís mosaic technique. It offers panoramic views of Barcelona and features symbolic elements like heart-shaped chimneys pointing to Gaudí’s hometown and the Sagrada Família.
- Espai Gaudí (Exhibition Space): Located in the attic, this space is dedicated to Gaudí’s life and work. The exhibit includes models, sketches, and videos, all set within a serene, light-filled environment.
Additional Information
- Elevator and Accessibility: An elevator provides easy access to all floors, though taking the stairs offers a closer look at the design details.
- Photography: Photography is encouraged throughout Casa Milà, allowing you to capture its unique features.
- Café La Pedrera: Enjoy coffee or a light meal on the first floor, even without an entrance ticket.
- Gift Shop: Find Gaudí-themed souvenirs and books on Catalan modernism in the on-site shop.
History and architecture of Casa Milà
Casa Milà-La Pedrera, was constructed between 1906 and 1912. It was commissioned by Pere Milà, a Catalan businessman who married the wealthy widow Rosario Segimon i Aryells. Rumors quickly spread that Milà married her solely for her fortune.
Deeply impressed by Gaudí’s work on Casa Batlló, Milà gave the architect complete creative freedom. However, this led to conflicts, resulting in Gaudí’s departure before the project was completed.
Criticism vs. Admiration
While Milà admired Gaudí’s eccentric style, the public reaction was far from favorable. Upon its completion in 1912, La Pedrera faced a wave of criticism. Many believed the unconventional design would devalue the luxury properties on Passeig de Gràcia. The building was mocked and ridiculed, making it difficult to find tenants due to its unusual curved forms.
The Dispute Over the Virgin Mary
Gaudí intended to place a niche with the Virgin Mary on Casa Milà’s façade, reflecting his deep religious beliefs. However, religion was unpopular at the time, and Milà opposed the idea, leading to a fallout between them. Gaudí left the project and focused entirely on his beloved Sagrada Família.
Milà refused to pay Gaudí’s fee, prompting the architect to take legal action. With the help of a translator, as Gaudí insisted on speaking only Catalan, the court ruled in his favor. Milà had to take out a mortgage on Casa Milà to pay the sum of 105,000 pesetas, a considerable fortune at the time.
Revival and Renovation
Casa Milà gained public favor in 1986 when it was acquired by Caixa Catalunya, which invested €53.5 million in its restoration. In 1984, UNESCO recognized Casa Milà, along with other Gaudí works, as a World Heritage Site.
A major renovation was undertaken in 2014 by the Fundación Catalunya-La Pedrera, during which the entire façade was meticulously cleaned and repaired. The building was then proudly presented to the public, revitalized and restored to its former glory.
Fascinating Facts About La Pedrera
- Gaudí’s round rooms were so frustratingly designed that it was nearly impossible to fit a standard double bed.
- La Pedrera attracts about a million tourists annually, with the majority coming from the United States and China, followed by Italy, the United Kingdom, and France.
- The design of the Stormtrooper and Darth Vader helmets in Star Wars was inspired by the chimneys on Casa Milà’s rooftop.
- Gaudí designed an underground space beneath Casa Milà, considered one of the first parking garages in Barcelona.
FAQs – Casa Milà – La Pedrera
Absolutely! Casa Milà- La Pedrera offers a stunning interior that rivals its iconic exterior. The unique architecture, historical significance, and Gaudí’s innovative design make it a must-visit.
A visit to Casa Milà usually takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. This includes exploring the apartment, Espai Gaudí, the attic, and the rooftop terrace with its remarkable chimneys and sculptures.
Yes, Casa Milà is wheelchair accessible, with elevators available to access different floors. However, some areas like the rooftop may have limited accessibility.
Yes, photography is allowed throughout Casa Milà. Visitors are encouraged to capture the unique details of Gaudí’s masterpiece.
To avoid crowds, consider visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Also, beware it may get hot on La Pedrera’s rooftop in de middle of the day during summer. For a more intimate experience, you can book the night tour, which also offers a magical perspective of the building.
Yes, Casa Milà operates with fixed time slots. When booking your tickets, you’ll need to choose a specific time. Be sure to arrive on time and have your tickets ready on your smartphone or printed out.
Yes, it’s highly recommended to book your tickets in advance. This ensures you secure your preferred time slot and avoid long lines at the entrance.
Yes, Casa Milà is family-friendly. The fascinating architecture and engaging exhibits, especially the rooftop and Espai Gaudí, are sure to captivate children.
Casa Milà is easily accessible from the city center. You can walk up the elegant Passeig de Gràcia or take the metro to the Diagonal station (lines L3 and L5). Buses and taxis are also convenient options. All options are listed here.
