Here we share the experience of our visit inside Casa Amatller. Because you probably have heard of (or even visited) Casa Batlló or la Pedrera, two of the most emblematic buildings in Passeig de Gràcia. But what about this other beautiful and eye-catching building next to Casa Batlló? Time to get to know this beautiful house called Casa Amatller.
This building also holds a story, specially the main floor where the Amatller family lived for many years. Entering this house and knowing the secrets it hides is such an experience. Also, the particular construction style of Puig i Cadafalch creates the perfect atmosphere to imagine the many everyday scenes that took place in this special house, Casa Amatller.
Who built Casa Amatller and when?
A visit inside casa Amatller will teleport you to 1900. Built in 1875, Antoni Amatller acquired it in 1898 who commissioned the remodeling of the building to the renowned Catalan architect Puig i Cadalfach.
Who lived in Casa Amatller?
Antoni Amatller lived with her daughter Teresa in Casa Amatller. Amatller got separated from his wife when Teresa was 4 and she decided to stay with her father in Barcelona. One of the most fascinating things of a visit inside Casa Amatller is the fact that they have managed to preserve all the furniture, so you can really have the perfect picture of how was a house in the 1900s. And also imagine daily scenes taking place right there.
But who was Antoni Amatller?
He came from a family of chocolate tradition (does “Xocolata Amatller” ring a bell?). And after he decided he wanted to continue with his family business, at the age of 19 he went to France and Germany to study first hand the best chocolate factories in Europe.
Thanks to the many business trips, he became one of the most recognized industrial chocolate makers in Spain. And beyond that, he got to discover one of his greatest passions: traveling. And it built his personality as a businessman who also was an intrepid traveler, photographer and collector. Actually, it takes just one quick visit inside Casa Amatller to notice that adventurous spirit.
Puig i Cadafalch, the architect
From the very first moment you are inside Casa Amatller you notice how this is not Antoni Gaudí’s construction style. Puig i Cadafalch’s particular hallmark is clearly visible: he gave the building the appearance of an urban Gothic palace, with a flat façade. And redesigned it within a neo-Gothic line with both autochthonous and foreign elements.
How is Casa Amatller linked to Xocolata Amatller?
As we pointed out in the first paragraphs, Xocolata Amatller is directly linked to Antoni Amatller. His family started the business, which he and his daughter Teresa followed. When Teresa died in 1960 without children, the Coll family (also a traditional family of chocolate makers) owners of Simon Coll chocolates, acquired the company. They still make the main products of Amatller, guaranteeing the continuity of the brand.
If you have never been inside Casa Amatller, we highly recommend you to visit this unique house. Beyond the architectural beauty and preservation, you will also get to know the story of a family from the 1900 and how they used to live.
Header image: Cases Singulars