Casa Amatller
Step into the past at Casa Amatller, a stunning Catalan Modernisme landmark nestled in the heart of Barcelona's Eixample district. This architectural gem, standing proudly beside Antoni Gaudí's Casa Batlló, is a testament to the rich history and artistic legacy of the Amatller family. Originally constructed in 1875, Casa Amatller was transformed into an opulent family residence by architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch between 1898 and 1900. Its unique blend of Catalan Gothic Revival and Flemish/Dutch stepped gables, along with its intricate stone sculptures and polychrome ceramic facade, make it a must-visit for anyone exploring Barcelona's architectural wonders. Don't miss the chance to wander through the preserved original 1900 furnishings and explore the historic glassware collection and photography darkroom that tell the story of this remarkable family.
Casa Amatller is an extraordinary Catalan Modernisme jewel situated at Passeig de Gràcia, 41 in Barcelona's Eixample district, standing directly beside Antoni Gaudí's Casa Batlló as part of the famous 'Illa de la Discòrdia' (Block of Discord). Originally built in 1875, the residence was acquired in 1898 by prominent Catalan chocolatier and pioneer photographer Antoni Amatller, who commissioned celebrated architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch to radically transform the building into an opulent family townhouse. Completed between 1898 and 1900, the building combines delicate Catalan Gothic Revival architecture with Flemish and Dutch stepped gables, featuring a vibrant polychrome ceramic facade adorned with almond blossom motifs (a pun on the name Amatller), exquisite wrought ironwork, and intricate stone sculptures by master artist Eusebi Arnau. Inside, Casa Amatller is the only residence on the Block of Discord preserving its original authentic 1900 furnishings, historic glassware collection, family photographs, and decorative woodwork in pristine condition.
History
In 1898, Antoni Amatller Costa (1851–1910), head of the renowned Chocolates Amatller company and an avid art collector and photographer, purchased a conventional apartment block at Passeig de Gràcia 41. He hired architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch—one of the leading figures of the Catalan Modernisme movement alongside Gaudí and Domènech i Montaner—to redesign the property. Puig i Cadafalch collaborated with Catalonia's finest craftsmen, including sculptor Eusebi Arnau, ceramicist Pau Badia, and metalsmith Manuel Ballarín, completing the masterwork in 1900. When Antoni Amatller passed away in 1910, his daughter Teresa Amatller inherited the residence and later created the Institut Amatller d'Art Hispànic (Amatller Institute of Hispanic Art) to protect her father's extraordinary art collections and the architectural integrity of the home. In 1976, Casa Amatller was declared a Monument of National Historic and Artistic Value.
Fun Facts
- 🍫 Chocolate Dynasty Legacy: The house belonged to Antoni Amatller, whose family chocolate company Chocolates Amatller was founded in 1797 and remains one of Spain's oldest and most beloved chocolate brands.
- 🌸 The Almond Blossom Motif: Look closely at the facade and interior stonework: the delicate almond tree blossoms (ametller in Catalan) are carved throughout the building as an artistic heraldic tribute to the family name.
- 🛡️ Block of Discord Trio: Casa Amatller stands immediately adjacent to Gaudí's Casa Batlló and near Domènech i Montaner's Casa Lleó Morera, forming the 'Illa de la Discòrdia' where three rival modernist titans showcased contrasting architectural philosophies on one single city block.
- 🏺 Complete Original Furnishings: Unlike neighboring modernist houses that were largely emptied over time, Casa Amatller retains 100% of its original turn-of-the-century bourgeois furniture, lighting, wallpaper, and Antoni Amatller's rare archaeological glass collection.
Guide Tips
- 🍫 Hot Chocolate at the Café: Stop by the Faborit café in the courtyard or the chocolate gift shop on the ground floor to sample traditional Amatller artisanal chocolates and thick Spanish hot chocolate.
- 📸 Photographing the Stepped Gable: Stand across Passeig de Gràcia to capture the dramatic stepped Dutch/Flemish roofline alongside Casa Batlló's dragon-scale curves for a side-by-side architectural contrast.
- 🏛️ Visit the Noble Floor: Opt for the guided or audio-guided tour of the Noble Floor to admire the authentic 1900 dining room, music room, private bedrooms, and preserved photography darkroom.
Opening Hours
Mon-Sun: 10:00 - 19:00