Did you know that Casa Batlló embodies the legend of Saint George, known in Spain as Sant Jordi? While this masterpiece by the Catalan architect is popular among tourists from all over the world, few know that it illustrates a very beautiful story… Don't wait any longer to enter the belly of the dragon, book your Renfe tickets now and come and experience the legend in Barcelona!
Casa Battló stands among the buildings along the Block of Discord (Manzana de la Discordia). Its name refers not only to the Greek myth of the 'Apple of Discord' but also the rivalry between modernist architects and their wealthy clients, as they desperately vied to boast of owning the most beautiful house on the block.
Within a few square metres, you will find Casa Lleó Morera, designed by Domènech i Mountaner, Casa Amatller, conceived by Puig i Cadafalch, and Casa Batlló, devised by Gaudí for the great textile manufacturer Josep Batlló.
Casa Batlló
The architect promised his client that a dragon would crown the house, which would then become legendary.
Whether seen from afar or up close, the glistening, colourful roof tiles, reminiscent of dragon scales, will certainly impress.
Stepping into the house will take you into the dragon's body, where you can admire the vertebrae of its tail in the central staircase, and then into the galleries of its rib cage, which was pierced by the knight's sword, the tip of which appears on the façade of the house, symbolised by a cross. Yet Sant Jordi fought the dragon to rescue the princess Cleodolinda…
Legend has it that a dragon had long terrorised the inhabitants of Montblanc and, after devouring most of the animals, threatened to eat them too. To stave off its attacks, the locals, including the royal family, drew lots every day to decide who would be sacrificed to the dragon. One day, as luck would have it, it was the King's daughter… On hearing the news, Sant Jordi travelled the seas and oceans to rescue the Princess.
The unique flower-shaped balcony at the top of the façade symbolises the place where Cleodolinda saw her rescuer arrive. The other balconies and columns, however, depict the remains of the dragon's victims who were not as lucky as the princess.
As the dragon was about to devour the girl, the knight appeared and killed it with his sword. A red rosebush sprang up from the place where the dragon's blood once flowed. Since then, on Sant Jordi day, Catalan men have traditionally given a red rose to their beloved, and red roses decorate the façade of the Casa Batlló to remind everyone of their legend.
After your emotional visit to the Casa Batlló in Barcelona, the best way to get home is on our Renfe High Speed Trains, but not without a red rose for your better half!
Can't wait to hop on a train to Barcelona? Now you can do just that on AVE France, our international high-speed trains between France and Spain. The most comfortable, fastest and sustainable way to travel is by train! You can also take advantage of our discounts and get the best price.
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