La Pedrera (Casa Milà)

Casa Milà, built between 1906 and 1912 for Pere Milà and Roser Segimon, was Antoni Gaudí's last major civil building before he devoted himself to the Sagrada Família. Its undulating limestone façade and wrought-iron balconies earned it the nickname La Pedrera, the stone quarry, which was not meant kindly at the time. Inside, the structure rests on columns rather than load-bearing walls, so each flat could take its own shape around two large courtyards. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage listing for Gaudí's works.

The standard visit, La Pedrera Essential, is self-guided with an audio guide and takes about an hour to an hour and a half. It covers the Warrior Rooftop, a landscape of stairways and helmeted chimneys and ventilation towers; the Whale Attic beneath it, whose brick arches house an exhibition on Gaudí's ideas; the Tenants' Apartment, furnished as a well-off family's flat in the early 20th century; and the Flower and Butterfly courtyards. In the evening, the Night Experience adds projections, lighting and a soundtrack to the rooftop and skylights.

Opening hours change with the seasons. From 2 November 2026 to late February 2027 the building opens daily from 9am to 6.30pm, with night visits from 7pm, and it closes on 25 December 2026 and from 11 to 17 January 2027. Exact times appear when you book. Tickets bought online are generally non-refundable, and the rooftop may close in rain. Public areas are wheelchair accessible, but the rooftop and mezzanine are not, although a platform at the lift exit gives a general view; wheelchairs can be borrowed free if requested in advance by email.

La Pedrera suits anyone interested in how Gaudí designed for everyday living, and the rooftop is one of the most photographed spaces in the city. Early slots are quieter, and the night visit is a good choice if your days are already full. Guided tours can be arranged for groups by phone or email.

The building stands on the corner of Passeig de Gràcia and Carrer de Provença, close to Diagonal station on lines L3 and L5. Casa Batlló is a ten-minute walk down the avenue, and a combined ticket with the Sant Pau Recinte Modernista is available. The streets around are full of shops, cafés and good places for lunch.