The city of Barcelona is one of the most beautiful, vibrant, and energetic places in not only Europe, but in the world. From its food to its culture, every single aspect of this city oozes beauty and charm. One particular facet of Barcelona that is especially captivating is its architectural allure. Barcelona is a hotspot for architecturally-significant marvels including the world famous La Sagrada Família, Casa Batlló, Park Güell, and La Pedrera/Casa Milà, to name a few. None of these, however, are as emblematic and iconic as the Casa de les Punxes.
Casa De Les Punxes - Handy Information
Casa De Les Punxes - Things to know
| 📍 Location: | Barcelona |
| ⏰ Suggested Duration: | 1-2 Hours |
| ☀️ Best Time to Visit: | Early morning or late evening |
| 🚇 Closest Subway: | Verdaguer metro station |
Casa De Les Punxes Address
Avinguda Diagonal, 420,
08037 Barcelona, Spain
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Must-see at Casa De Les Punxes
Facade
The Interiors
Stained Glass Windows
Best Time to Visit Casa de Les Punxes
Casa de Les Punxes Opening Hours
9 AM to 8 PM, daily. The last access will be at 7 PM.
Casa de Les Punxes Tickets
Why Visit
This magnificent structure was declared a historical monument of National Interest in 1976 and for good reason. Every single detail of the exterior — the brickwork on the facade, the wrought-iron balconies, the neo-Gothic style structure, the intelligent and intricate use of ceramic panels, and even the stained-glass windows — comes together to create a truly outstanding work of art, and the monument serves as an example of the Modernisme ethos prevalent at the time.
Apart from being visually appealing, the Casa de les Punxes stands as an important representation of an era in Catalan history that was characterised by the economic progress of the bourgeoisie, strong traditional customs, and onset of modern industrialization.
After a long period of restoration work, the Casa de las Punxes opened its doors to the public in 2017 and has been stunning visitors ever since. The beauty of the building, coupled with the spectacular panoramic views of the city from the rooftop, make for an excellent way to experience the art that is Barcelona.
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Casa de les Punxes Architecture
The Casa de les Punxes was built initially as a house for Bartomeu Terradas Brutau’s three sisters. The Terradas sisters owned three buildings in the space where the Casa Terradas now stands. The architect, Josep Puig i Cadafalch, was commissioned to link the three buildings and create one structure behind a vast brick façade. The result is what we see today - a huge, medieval castle like structure with six turrets, each mounted by conical spikes. It is this distinguishing feature, which gives the house its name - Casa de les Punxes or ‘House of Spikes’.
This monument, however, was not just the work of one architect. Several well-known artisans and sculptors were hired to construct and beautify the building, including Enrique Monserdà, who designed the decorative pieces of artificial stone, the ceramic panels, and the design of the windows; and Ramon Eudald Amigó, who worked on the magnificent stained-glass windows.
Interestingly enough, the interiors were designed in such a way as to reflect the characters of the three different sisters. For example, there is a plastic panel in the facade portraying an angel, symbolic of Angela Terrada and in another panel you can find the image of a vase full of roses, symbolic of Rosa. There is also a ceramic tile which pays homage to St. George and shows the Saint slaying a dragon. Like this, there are many such minute details and elements that go on to create a truly unique and awe-inspiring structure.
Casa de les Punxes Highlights
1Facade
The facade of Casa de les Punxes is an excellent example of Catalan modernism. Designed by architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch, the building is adorned with colorful mosaics, floral motifs, and other decorative elements that are characteristic of the style. Its exterior is covered in intricate designs and its roof is lined with colorful tiles. It's truly a sight to behold! One of the most notable features of the facade is the series of pointed spires that top the building, giving it its nickname "The House of Spikes." These spikes are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they also serve a practical purpose: they act as lightning rods to protect the building from storms.
2The Interiors
Casa de les Punxes is an iconic building in Barcelona, Spain. It was designed by architect Antoni Gaudí and built between 1904 and 1906. The building is notable for its unique architecture, which is inspired by the folklore of Catalonia. The building is also known for its beautiful interiors, largely known for its wrought iron elements. The building is open to the public and offers tours of its interiors.
3Stained Glass Windows
The stained glass windows at Casa de les Punxes are some of the most notable features of the building. They depict various scenes from Catalan folklore and mythology, such as the legend of Saint George and the dragon. The windows are also adorned with symbols of Catalan nationalism, such as the Senyera, the flag of Catalonia.
Getting There
Restaurants Nearby
Located on the ground floor of Casa Mila and only a 6 minute walk away from Casa de Les Punxes, Cafe de la Pedrera is a classically designed Spanish cafe with a light ambience with Jazz playing in the background. They serve Mediterranean, European, and Spanish munchies with vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options.
Must try: Tapas, veggie sandwich, clara beer
A famous restaurant with a MICHELIN Plate, UMA is less than a kilometre away from Casa de les Punxes. They are known for their fusion recipes from International, Mediterranean, European, and Spanish regions. Admittedly, this restaurant will be heavy on your wallet, it provides an experience of a lifetime with great food and service.
Must try: Brie Mochi with truffle, cotton candy foie gras.
If you are in for a perfect Tapa joint, head over to Artespañol Paella & Tapas. Located barely a few minutes-walk away from Casa de les Punxes, it serves delicious Mediterranean, European, Spanish, and Catalan recipes. If you like seafood, this eatery must go on top of your list since they serve yummy coastal delicacies.
Must try: Paella, limoncello shots, churros
A little bit further away than the rest at 1.2 kilometers, Pizzeria Micaela is perfect for if you are feeling up to some Italian food! With fresh, oven-baked pizzas. Whether you want a whole pizza, or a generously portioned slice, the choice is upto you!
Tips
- To make the most out of your visit to the Casa de les Punxes, it is recommended to take the guided tour, as a professional guide will explain the history as well as point out all the nuances of the structure which you may otherwise miss.
- Plan to visit early in the morning, before it gets too crowded. This is one of Barcelona’s most famous monuments, so if you go towards the afternoon/evening, you will surely be bumping shoulders with a lot of people.
- Be sure to carry your camera along as you will have a ton of photo opportunities!
- Give yourself ample time to move around and explore the monument. You do not want to be pressed for time while visiting, so ensure you have a good couple of hours to fully enjoy your experience.
Things to Do Nearby
Located a kilometer away from Casa Batlló is Gaudi's other masterpiece, Casa Vicens. Visitors can tour the inside of the house, which has been restored to its original condition, and learn about the life of Gaudí. The roof terrace offers stunning views of the city, and the building is at par in excellence and uniqueness with Casa Batlló.
Not too far away from Casa Vicens is Casa Mila, also known as La Pedrera, another famous building designed by Antoni Gaudi. It is located in the Eixample district of Barcelona, Spain. Construction of Casa Mila began in 1906 and was completed in 1910. The building is made of stone, brick, iron, and glass, and is one of the most notable examples of Catalan modernism. Casa Mila has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sagrada Familia is a masterpiece of architecture designed by Antoni Gaudí. It is one of the most unique and recognizable buildings in the world. The church is still under construction and is not expected to be completed until 2026. Sagrada Familia is a must-see for anyone visiting Barcelona.
Plaça de Catalunya is Barcelona's most central square - it is where the old city meets the modern city. This is a bustling, vibrant area that is always bustling with activity. From tourists exploring the shops and restaurants to locals going about their daily lives, there is always something happening here. There is also a large fountain in the center of the square which is popular with both locals and visitors alike.
FAQs
The Casa de les Punxes, or House of Spikes, is a building located in Barcelona, Spain. It was designed by architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch and built between 1905 and 1907. The building is notable for its Gothic Revival style and its use of pointed pinnacles.
The Casa de les Punxes was designed by architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch and built between 1905 and 1907. It was commissioned by Baroness Rosa Despuig as a family home for her three daughters. The building is named after the pointed pinnacles that adorn its façade.
The Casa de les Punxes is open Monday to Sunday from 10:00am to 8:00pm. Last entry is at 7:30pm.
Admission to the Casa de les Punxes is €10 for adults, €7 for students and seniors, and €5 for children under 12 years old. Children under 6 years old can enter for free.
The Casa de les Punxes is a popular tourist attraction in Barcelona. Visitors can tour the interior of the building, which includes furniture and decoration from the original family home. There is also a museum on the history of the building and its architect, Josep Puig i Cadafalch.
