Casa de les Punxes or Casa Terradas

Occupying an entire block with one side facing the Avinguda Diagonal, the Casa de les Punxes (which literally translates as “The House of Spikes”) is also known as Casa Terradas, after the surname of the sisters who owned it. Designed by the celebrated modernist architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch, it’s one of the most well known works of Catalan modernism, with its features emulating those of a medieval castle.

Highlights

The construction of this modernist building, which is one of the most important and well known in the city, was started in 1905 with the aim of joining up the three properties owned by the Terradas sisters. With the facades made of exposed brickwork, Josep Puig i Cadafalch took as his inspiration the aspect of a medieval castle, something that’s clearly evident at first glance, although when you look more closely it also has a lot in common with the Nordic style of construction.

Visit the house with a guide or at your leisure

From summer 2016, following the major refurbishment that the Casa Terradas has undergone, the public are able to visit it. Since it’s been opened up to the public, the visit is divided into three separate elements, the first giving information about the Terradas family, the second about Josep Puig i Cadafalch and the artists who collaborated with him, and finally about the legend of Sant Jordi (the patron saint of Catalunya), which is particularly prominent in the work of Josep Puig i Cadafalch as well as in so many works of Catalan modernism.

You could visit the building independently, and walk round the various areas of the building at your leisure, or go on a guided tour, which is available in Spanish, Catalan and English (other languages are available by prior request and for groups). Both have their advantages, but of course by going on the guided tour you’ll have the advantage of learning from a professional guide and being able to ask questions, so we’d be inclined to recommend this.

Casa de les Punxes by night

Visiting the roof terrace

Josep Puig i Cadafalch and his collaborators

The Legend of Sant Jordi

Photo gallery

Map

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