Gaudí's last private residence, nicknamed La Pedrera (the stone quarry) for its undulating limestone façade. The rooftop with warrior-like chimneys offers exceptional Barcelona views. Now a cultural center with exhibitions on Gaudí's life and work.
Casa Milà at Passeig de Gràcia 92, known universally as La Pedrera (the stone quarry), was Gaudí's last private residential building, completed in 1912 for Pere Milà and Roser Segimon. It is managed today by the Fundació Catalunya La Pedrera as a cultural center and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The building's undulating limestone facade is entirely free of straight lines — its wave-like exterior, with ironwork balconies resembling tangled seaweed designed by Josep Maria Jujol, generated controversy when built and earned its derisive quarry nickname from Barcelona citizens of the time. The internal structure of iron pillars means no load-bearing walls; the floor plans could theoretically be reconfigured at will. The rooftop is the building's most dramatic feature: warrior-like ventilation towers wear helmets of broken tile mosaic, and the staircase exits are sculpted into abstract forms that George Lucas later cited as an influence on the stormtrooper designs in Star Wars. El Pis (the apartment), occupying the fourth floor, is restored as a bourgeois Eixample apartment of around 1910, with period furniture and fittings showing how the building's tenants originally lived. The attic (Espai Gaudí) contains a forest of 270 catenary arches used to calculate structural forms, now housing an exhibition on Gaudí's techniques, models, and architectural philosophy. Summer brings the acclaimed Nit de Pedrera concert series — evening performances on the rooftop under the stars.
Good to know
- Hours
- 9AM-8:30PM daily
- Best time
- daytime or evening tour
- Best for
- architecture, photography, culture
Location
Passeig de Gràcia, 92, 08008 Barcelona
41.3954, 2.1619 View on map
Highlights
- Rooftop warrior chimneys — abstract mosaic ventilation towers that influenced Star Wars stormtroopers
- Undulating limestone facade with iron balconies by Jujol — not a single straight line
- El Pis apartment restored to its 1910 Eixample bourgeois interior with period furniture
- Espai Gaudí attic with 270 catenary arches and architectural model exhibition
- Nit de Pedrera summer rooftop concerts (July-August)
Tips for visiting
- Evening rooftop concerts in summer are magical
- Book online in advance
- Top floor has excellent Gaudí exhibition
When to visit
Daytime visits make best use of natural light in the apartment and attic. July and August evening concerts on the rooftop require advance booking and are among the most memorable experiences in Barcelona. The building's facade is best photographed in morning light from the pavement on Passeig de Gràcia.
Accessibility
The building is fully accessible by lift to all visitor floors including the rooftop. The rooftop terrace has some uneven mosaic surfaces but is largely wheelchair navigable. Audio guides in multiple languages are available at the entrance. The lift serves all levels from the ground floor lobby.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between day and evening visits?
Day visits include full access to the apartment, attic, and rooftop. Evening visits (Pedrera by Night) focus on the rooftop with lighting and music. Summer Nit de Pedrera concerts are a separate ticket for live music on the rooftop.
Are rooftop concerts included in regular admission?
No. The summer rooftop concert series (Nit de Pedrera) requires a separate ticket purchased in advance. Regular daytime admission covers the apartment, attic exhibition, and rooftop without concerts.
How long should I allow for a visit?
Allow 1.5-2 hours for the apartment, attic exhibition, and rooftop. The audio guide (included) is comprehensive and adds context that significantly enhances the visit.