Gaudi's Creative Vision: The Enchanting Rooftop of Casa Milà

In the heart of Barcelona lies a Modernist masterpiece, Casa Milà, affectionately known as La Pedrera. Designed by the renowned architect Antoni Gaudí, this iconic building is a must-visit for anyone seeking to delve into the artistic wonders of Barcelona……. And, it’s rooftop is a must for any Barcelona itinerary!

Casa Milà is conveniently located in the Eixample district of Barcelona, and getting there is a breeze. Take the metro (L3 or L5) to the Diagonal station, and from there, it's just a short stroll (one block) to La Pedrera.

Fun Fact! Casa Milà has no right angles! Its curved lines and organic shapes are meant to mimic the forms found in nature. Gaudí was strongly influenced by the natural world and believed that buildings should be in harmony with their surroundings. As a result, he incorporated elements such as undulating façades, waving balconies, and curved walls into his designs - the lack of right angles in the building's design gives it a sense of movement and fluidity.

Casa Mila courtyard interior.

I suggest you purchase your tickets to Casa Mila ahead of time. We found La Pedrera Essential to be just what we needed - it gave us access to the The Tenant’s Apartments, The Whale Attic (Gaudi Exhibit), and finally, the Warriors Rooftop w its stunning views. All tours come with an informative audioguide.

The tenant apartment at Casa Milà blends aesthetics with practical living. The apartment has fluid lines, organic shapes, and beautiful attention to detail - there are curved walls and uniquely shaped windows… all a reflection of Gaudi’s style.

I loved the play of light and shadow in the apartment.

After viewing the Tenant’s Apartment, you’ll visit the Whale Attic — it is an exhibit that explains Antoni Gaudi’s creative thought process and where he found inspiration. Be sure to take note of the ceiling with its brick arches. Does it remind you of a whales ribs?

Walking through the Gaudi exhibit — the arched brickway is like walking in a whale’s belly.

Finally, you’ll make your way to the Warriors Rooftop. As you enter the rooftop of Casa Milà, you'll find yourself transported to a surreal world of whimsical shapes and otherworldly sculptures (it reminded me of scenes from Star Wars - I wondered if it was used as inspiration for the film). Gaudí's ingenious design transforms the rooftop into something out of this world and it offers panoramic beautiful views of the Barcelona skyline.

The chimney stacks truly look like warriors standing guard.

Casa Mila was constructed using a technique known as "catenary arch" - the building’s weight is supported by a series of arches. This allowed Gaudí to create the building's signature curves and not need load-bearing walls. The use of arches also helped to distribute the weight of the building evenly, giving it more stability. This was innovative for its time. Casa Milà was also the first building in Barcelona to use reinforced concrete, which allowed Gaudí to create the building's curves.

Fun Fact #2 — The rooftop of Casa Mila was the seen in the 1975 hit movie, The Passenger, starring Jack Nicholson…. the scene w him and actress Maria Schneider takes place under this beautiful mosaic.

Climb to the highest point of the rooftop, and you'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Barcelona. The skyline showcases landmarks like the Sagrada Família, Tibidabo, and the bustling city below.

Views of The Sagrada Familia in the distance.

Consider planning your visit during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds and enjoy the changing colors of the sky. And, don’t forget your camera or smartphone - you’ll want to capture the details of this playful rooftop and the city views that serve as its backdrop!

Moriah taking in the panoramic views from the rooftop of Casa Mila.

Finally, there is so much to do in this area after exploring Casa Mila: take a leisurely stroll along Passeig de Gràcia. This (almost) mile long boulevard with over 150 stores is a shopper’s dream — with a mix of luxury brands like Cartier, Prada and Louis Vuitton next to more budget friendly brands such as Uniqlo, Lego and Zara . This street reminded me a lot of Paris’s Champs Elysees. If you’re taking a resting break in your day, you’ll find lots of dining options in this area as well — or if you need a bathroom break and free wifi like us, there’s a Starbucks around the corner.

In addition to shopping, nearby you’ll find Casa Lleó I Morera, Casa Amatller and Gaudi’s Casa Batlló - they’d all be great additions to a Barcelona itinerary.

Resting our feet was a good excuse to sit down and take in our final glimpses of Casa Mila.

A visit to Casa Milà and its rooftop offers a glimpse of Antoni Gaudí's creativity and architectural brilliance. Enjoy the magic of Barcelona's art and culture, and let Casa Milà be a highlight of your travel adventure.