Casa Mila

Casa Milà, popularly known as “La Pedrera” for its unique and rocky appearance, is one of the most iconic buildings designed by Antoni Gaudí. Located at number 92 Passeig de Gràcia in Barcelona, this modernist structure was commissioned by the entrepreneur Pere Milà and his wife Roser Segimon, and built between 1906 and 1912. The house represents Gaudí’s last major residential project before he dedicated himself completely to the Sagrada Família. Gaudí, already famous for his innovative and visionary style, conceived Casa Milà as a total work of art, breaking with the architectural conventions of the time. The building stands out for its undulating facade, which appears to be carved in stone, and for the wrought iron balconies that resemble waves of the sea. This organic design, inspired by nature, is a hallmark of Catalan modernism and Gaudí’s work.The structure of Casa Milà was revolutionary for its time. Gaudí used a series of stone and brick columns to create interior spaces without load-bearing walls, allowing for greater flexibility in the layout of the apartments. This innovative approach was met with criticism and controversy at the time, but is now celebrated as a pioneering example of architectural design.The roof of Casa Milà is one of its most fascinating elements. Gaudí transformed it into a sort of surreal landscape with chimneys, air vents, and skylights sculpted in organic forms reminiscent of warriors and mythological creatures. This part of the building not only served a practical function, but was also conceived as an open-air sculpture, further demonstrating Gaudí’s genius.From an artistic point of view, Casa Milà incorporates numerous religious symbols, reflecting Gaudí’s deep Catholic faith. He had initially planned to include a series of statues of the Virgin Mary and archangels on the facade, but these were never realized due to limitations imposed by local authorities and political tensions of the time. Nevertheless, the religious influence is evident in the decorative details and inscriptions on the building.The construction of Casa Milà was not without difficulties. Gaudí repeatedly exceeded the budget and encountered legal problems with the City of Barcelona, which found the structure too tall and some of its parts not in compliance with building regulations. In the end, Pere Milà had to pay a significant fine to legalize the building. Despite these challenges, Casa Milà was completed and inaugurated as one of the most luxurious and innovative residences in the city.