Ed U.
Yelp
'Palau' is Catalan for 'palace', and in its own vertical way, that's what it is. Did you know Picasso started his epochal Blue Period in 1902 in a studio right across the street from this stately mansion? The most interesting bit of trivia, however, is that he absolutely detested Gaudi's work. Jealousy? Can't tell as it isn't the most ostentatious of the architect's buildings and certainly doesn't have the in-your-face, wavy-gravy exterior of Le Pedrera (Casa Milà) (review: http://bit.ly/2A0yOYL), but it has enough of his unconventional touches to satisfy aficionados. Gaudi designed it as a family home for his chief patron, industrialist Eusebi Güell... yes, the same Güell that the sublime park is named after (review: http://bit.ly/2kb4Jik), and their simpatico relationship shows.
The front entrance is dominated by two intricately patterned, wrought-iron gates that once accommodated horse-drawn carriages entering and exiting the coach house (photo: http://bit.ly/2nE1THC). The ground floor space is now the museum lobby, and there is a ramp that leads down to the former livery stable dominated by mushroom-shaped brick pillars (photo: http://bit.ly/2j85DzH). This is where the horses were kept and now houses a small art gallery (photo: http://bit.ly/2AG4WCd). Meanwhile, guests went upstairs to the main receiving hall which stretches upward for three floors to form a Moorish-style dome (photo: http://bit.ly/2BLaaf3). The ornate, highly detailed ceiling and massive golden doors definitely catch the eye (photo: http://bit.ly/2BVku5e).
So do the religious paintings that dominate the walls (photo). Walking up to the bedroom floor, Jamie W. and I were struck by the mid-century touches (photo: http://bit.ly/2iGcKLU) and the beautiful early 20th-century furniture pieces (photo: http://bit.ly/2iF9Qau). Just like Casa Milà, the highlight is the rooftop where the central spire over the main hall and the twenty surrounding chimneys reflect Gaudi's eccentric style with mosaics of tile, some plain-bricked but uniquely shaped (photo: http://bit.ly/2k9aIo8) while the ones on the roof's perimeter showcase vivid colors and wild patterns (photo: http://bit.ly/2k7ywZq). Admission is a relative bargain at 12€ since Casa Milà costs twice as much to visit. If you're looking for a primer on Gaudi, this is a compelling place to start.