Casa Mila vs. Casa Batllo: Which is Worth Visiting?
Casa Mila is less expensive compared to Casa Batlló. So, if you are concerned about the cost, you can choose Casa Mila. It is also famous for its stunning rooftop, while the major attraction of Casa Batlló is its facade. Casa Mila and Casa Batlló are two of Gaudí’s wonderful pieces of architecture. Both of these buildings are unique and special in their ways.
So, visitors often end up wondering: Casa Mila vs. Casa Batlló: Which one is better to visit? This article covers the features and differences between these two so you can decide which one is better for you to visit in Barcelona.
Overview of Casa Mila
Casa Mila (1906-1912) is a building in Barcelona designed by the architect Antoni Gaudí. This building is also known as La Pedrera, a residential property of the Mila family.
However, Casa Mila is not just a building; it shows Gaudí’s skills and talents in lots of different ways. It is also the last project of Gaudí’s civic architecture as well as an iconic creation of Catalan Modernism.
The most interesting part of this home is its incredible rooftop. This is a testament to Gaudí’s creativity. There’s also a furnished apartment for Mila’s family. Another epic part of La Pedrera is its attic. There is an exhibition of Gaudí’s works. It allows Gaudíans to view all the houses built by Gaudí in one place.
Today, Casa Mila is a famous place for tourists to visit in Barcelona. People from all over the world come to see its innovative architecture and historical importance.
UNESCO has already recognized Casa Mila as a World Heritage Site. Visiting Barcelona will only be worth it by checking it out. It’s just that breathtaking!
Overview of Casa Batlló
Casa Batlló (1904-1906) is another of Gaudí’s works in the center of Barcelona. It is a remarkable building and a masterpiece of Catalan modernism. Like Casa Mila, this place is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The whole building is innovative and stands out. Unique room designs- the woodwork, metalwork, stained glass windows, and tiling – are stunning. The facade of Casa Batlló is especially fabulous. It is enchanting with vibrant colors, undulating mask-shaped balconies, and eye-catching mosaics.
The entrance is also stunning. It is designed with various shades of blue, giving it a magical atmosphere. Moreover, Casa Batlló offers a unique audio guide. It makes visitors feel connected with this beautiful creation.
However, Casa Batlló is a symbol of Barcelona’s artistic and modernist movement during the early 20th century. It is a major tourist destination, showcasing Barcelona’s historical significance.
Casa Mila vs. Casa Batlló: A Quick Comparison
Casa Mila and Casa Batlló are both masterpieces. But they have some distinct features and beauty. Let’s figure out the common differences between Casa Batlló and Casa Mila through the table below:
Criteria | Casa Mila | Casa Batlló |
Address | Passeig De Gracia, 43 08007 Barcelona, Spain | Passeig De Gracia, 92 08008 Barcelona, Spain |
Nickname/local name | La Pedrera (The Quarry) | Casa dels ossos (House of Bones) |
Significance | Gaudí’s last work of civic architecture | Showcases Gaudí’s mastery of form and function and the modernist movement in Barcelona |
Ticket price | €27 | €35 |
Bonus: Learn about Nativity facade vs Passion facade (Barcelona) here!
What are the Differences between Casa Mila and Casa Batlló?
Now we know the basic differences between Casa Mila and Casa Batlló. So, it’s time to have a deeper look at those differences. Let’s explore these factors one by one:
The Architecture
The biggest difference between these buildings is their architecture. Both of them have unique facades. You can see them along Barcelona’s Passeig de Gracia street at no cost.
However, Casa Batlló has a more enchanting exterior compared to Casa Mila. The facade of Casa Batlló is more playful and colorful and stands out with undulating balconies.
On the contrary, Casa Mila offers a more understated look with a sculptural facade and curving balconies. But Casa Mila has an excellent rooftop area with unique guardians scattered around it. You can also enjoy some beautiful views of Barcelona, including the Sagrada Familia.
Compared to Casa Mila, Casa Batlló’s rooftop terrace is slightly smaller. But it also has some eye-catching features, like the vibrant, colorful chimneys.
The Interior
In terms of interiors, unfortunately, it is not possible to visit every apartment in either building. But there are some significant differences between the two.
Among them, the most important thing to know is that the apartments in Casa Batlló are empty. On the contrary, there’s a furnished room in Casa Mila from that period. It allows visitors to explore how people used to furnish their rooms at that time. Wonderful!
But you will get access to more rooms while visiting Casa Batlló than Casa Mila. With a basic blue ticket, you can see many things, including
- The entrance hall
- The Attic
- The rooftop area
- Mr. Batlló’s study room
- Dining room
- Living room
- Courtyard.
Pricing
If we talk about pricing, Casa Mila is slightly cheaper than Casa Batlló. The ticket price for Casa Mila starts from €24 to $27. If you buy the ticket online, it will cost only €24. But it will cost €27 when you get it from the ticket counter. On the other hand, visiting Casa Batlló will cost €35 for the ticket.
Casa Mila vs. Casa Batlló: Which One is Better to Choose?
Visiting both the Casa Mila and Casa Batlló will be worth your money and time. They are only 700 meters away from each other. But if you are on a tight budget and don’t have enough time to visit both, let’s figure out the right one for you.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, then you should go with Casa Mila. But if you have the budget, Casa Batlló will be the best choice for anyone.
The Casa Mila tour is good, but Casa Batlló is impressive. It is natural and gives a better look at Gaudí’s ideas and craftsmanship.
Additionally, the audio tour at Casa Batlló is much better than La Pedrera. Casa Batlló at night is also breathtaking, with access to the museum. But Casa Batlló can’t beat the stunning view of Barcelona from the rooftop of Casa Mila. It’s a pretty good alternative to other Gaudí’s works.
Bonus: Check out this discussion on Naples and Amalfi Coast
FAQs
Which one should I visit if I have limited time in Barcelona?
You can choose Casa Batlló, with its bright colors and whimsical design features, or Casa Milà, with its bizarre architectural shapes and distinctive sculptures. Both sites provide distinct perspectives on the modernist legacy of Barcelona and Antoni Gaudí’s brilliance, so pick the one that works best with your schedule and available time.
Is La Pedrera better at night or day?
La Pedrera is definitely better at night. After sunset you can enjoy a unique atmosphere created by the stunning lighting on the rooftop terrace. The music at night is delightful. This is also called “The Origin’s Show.”
Can you visit Casa Mila and Casa Batlló in one day?
Yes, it is possible to visit Casa Mila and Casa Batlo on the same day, especially with proper preparation. Since they are located on the same street and are only a few steps apart, it is simple to incorporate these two.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this guide has given you some insight about Casa Mila vs. Casa Batlló. If you’re planning to have some great tours in Barcelona, don’t miss out on these two.
Let us know which one you’ve chosen to visit in the comment section below. Happy travels!