Brief Introduction
Casa Amatller is a stunning Modernista building located on the famous Passeig de Gràcia in Barcelona. It is part of the iconic Illa de la Discòrdia (Block of Discord), a row of buildings where the city’s three most famous architects—Josep Puig i Cadafalch, Antoni Gaudí, and Lluís Domènech i Montaner—showcased their wildly different styles.
It was designed by Josep Puig i Cadafalch between 1898 and 1900. Unlike the organic curves of Gaudí’s neighboring Casa Batlló, Casa Amatller features a more geometric, Neo-Gothic style inspired by traditional Dutch and Flemish houses.
The house was commissioned by Antoni Amatller, a wealthy chocolatier and avid photographer. His influence is visible throughout the building, with various architectural details referencing his profession and his passion for the arts.
The building is easily recognized by its stepped gable roof decorated with vibrant ceramic tiles and its intricate stonework depicting almond blossoms (a play on the name “Amatller,” which means “almond tree” in Catalan).
Brief History
Before it became the ornate building seen today, it was a relatively plain apartment block designed by Antoni Robert. The original structure was built in 1875.
During 1898 to 1900, the wealthy chocolate industrialist Antoni Amatller purchased the building and commissioned the architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch to completely remodel it. Amatller wanted a grand home that could also showcase his vast collections of art, photography, and glassware.
Puig i Cadafalch moved away from the traditional Mediterranean look. He blended Neo-Gothic elements with inspiration from Flemish and Dutch architecture—most notably the “stepped” triangular gable at the very top.
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Inside Casa Amatller: The House Museum
Walking through the main floor feels like stepping directly into the year 1900. It served as the primary residence for the chocolate mogul Antoni Amatller and his daughter, Teresa.
The museum is unique because it contains the original furniture designed specifically for these rooms by Josep Puig i Cadafalch, featuring intricate wood carvings and period-appropriate upholstery.
Every room showcases a different facet of high-end craftsmanship, from the polychrome marble floors to the ornate “alfarje” (artesonado) wooden ceilings.
The dining room and hallway feature some of the most impressive stained glass in the city, using light to highlight the symbolic stone sculptures that represent the family’s hobbies and the chocolate trade.
Casa Amatller Tickets
You will need to buy your ticket to enter Casa Amatller. The standard guided tour will cost you around €23. A tour of the house museum is led by an art specialist guide. The tour lasts approximately one hour. There is also an audio guided tour for €21.
You can also book a guided tour of Casa Amatller at GetYourGuide for $24. You can also buy a ticket with a digital audio guide for $19.65 at Klook.
Entry Requirements and Tips
Because the museum maintains the original furniture and delicate flooring of the 19th-century residence, there are specific rules for entry.
Tours are kept to small groups (often no more than 12 people), so it is highly recommended to book your time slot online in advance to avoid long wait times.
Visitors are required to wear protective shoe covers provided by the museum to protect the historic mosaic and wood floors.
High heels are typically restricted to prevent floor damage, and large bags or umbrellas must be left in the provided lockers.
The main entrance is located on Passeig de Gràcia, right next to Casa Batlló. You can walk into the open courtyard to reach the ticket office, the shop, and the café without a pre-purchased ticket.