Discover Casa de les Punxes – the House of Spikes

Standing majestically on the intersection between Avingunda Diagonal, Carrer Rosselló and Carrer Bruc is Casa Terrades, most commonly known as Casa de les Punxes.

According to ShBarcelona, this is one of the most beautiful buildings you’ll see in all of Barcelona – like a castle in the centre of town, it captures the imaginations of passersby due to its gothic attributes and somewhat misplaced grandiosity.

Related article: Why You Should Visit Casa Milà

Table of Contents

History

Photo by J.Salmoral via Visualhunt

This architectonic wonder started by being three separate buildings, which were owned by the Terrades sisters.

Hired to redevelop them in 1905, Josep Puig I Cadafalch, a famous Spanish architect and one of the pioneers of Catalan modernism, decided to link the buildings together as one, erecting a turret on each of its six corners.

These were then punctuated with conical roofs, which earned the building the nickname Casa de les Punxes, meaning “house of spikes” in English.

Since 1975, the building in the Dreta de l’Eixample neighbourhood is officially recognized as a Historical National Monument.

A message

An artist with strong political ideas, Puig i Cadafalch would often express them in his work. Casa de les Punxes is no exception, as the legend of Sant Jordi, the Patron saint of Catalonia, is depicted in painted-tile panels positioned between the building’s spires. Accompanying the image, the phrase “Patron saint, give us back our freedom” expresses the author’s desire for Catalan autonomy.

Open to the public

Photo by jacilluch via Visualhunt

Closed to the public for more than one hundred years, Casa de les Punxes is now finally open to visitors. There are different tours available at this legendary Barcelona building:

An open date ticket – regular price 13.50€
An audioguided visit with viewpoint – regular price 15€ (also open date)
An exclusive visit – regular price 16€ (choose a date when selecting your ticket)
A les Punxes Plus visit – regular price 20€ (choose a date when selecting your ticket)

Check visits and prices on their website, because they offer several discounts (seniors, children, students, disabled people and Catalonia residents). Tickets can be purchased at the building or online.

Useful Information

Address: Av. Diagonal 420
Contact: +34 930 185 242 and comercial@lespunxes.com
Schedule: Every day of the year (except December 25), from 9 AM to 8 PM.

If you are interested in learning more about the history of Catalonia, don’t miss the chance to visit one of the most emblematic buildings in Barcelona – it’s quite a big deal that it’s finally open to the public after so long.

*Main photo by jaime.silva via Visualhunt

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Miguel

Miguel is a freelance writer and copywriter who believes that words can really take you places - so hop on his words and dare to discover the wonders of Barcelona with him.