Around the turn of the century, there was something of a competition going on among Barcelona’s nobles as they each sought to outdo each other with the artwork of the then famous Gaudi. Immediately after the success and sensation that accompanied the completion of the Casa Batllo, the wealthy Pere Mila, a member of the powerful Spanish Cortes, who’s wife came from the same town as Guadi, gave the artist a completely blank canvas to work with. Located along the Passeig de Gracia, La Pedrera still attracts visitors and admiration almost one hundred years on.

What can be seen has been described as the single, most extraordinary apartment building ever built. It’s nickname, La Pedrera means ‘the stone quarry’ and it is difficult to imagine a building that relies more on sculpture. Indeed. It is difficult to decide whether the entire building is not just one mass of sculpture.

The faÁade of the building extends upwards for five stories and is supported by an extremely complex metal frame. It is highlighted by fantastical balconies that are each completely unique and different from the others. But the wonder does not stop here as the interior courtyard is almost as beautiful again.