Casa Amatller, Barcelona

Casa Amatller, Barcelona

Designed by Puig i Cadafalch for chocolatier Antoni Amatller at the end of the 19th century, the Casa Amatller is part of Barcelona's famous Illa de la Discòrdia (Block of Discord) group of buildings on Passeig de Gràcia.

Designed by Puig i Cadafalch for chocolatier Antoni Amatller at the end of the 19th century, the Casa Amatller is part of Barcelona's famous Illa de la Discòrdia (Block of Discord) group of buildings on Passeig de Gràcia. The Modernisme style building has a striking façade that combines Catalan Gothic style window frames with Dutch stepped gables. It features busts and reliefs of dragons, knights and other characters, including a sculpture of St George by Eusebi Arnau between the 2 asymmetric doors. The façade is covered with sgraffito, and various motifs such as almond flowers which allude to the family name Amatller (translates to almond tree).

The main floor is open as a house museum, furnished with period pieces and original furniture that offer a glimpse into the lifestyle of the wealthy in that era. You can visit the caretaker's office, which has survived intact and contains one of the finest stained-glass windows from the Modernista era. The house also has the office of Amatller Institute of Hispanic Art.