A mocking nickname
The rough, wavy stone front looked to many like an open quarry, and La Pedrera began as a joke. Today it's the building's official second name.
Urban Tales › Barcelona › Casa Milà (La Pedrera)
La Pedrera: the building they called a quarry
Built between 1906 and 1912 for Pere Milà and Roser Segimon, Gaudí's last house was so strange to Barcelona that people nicknamed it La Pedrera, the stone quarry. The name stuck.
Built1906–1912
ArchitectAntoni Gaudí
NicknameLa Pedrera (the quarry)
UNESCOsince 1984
Hear the Casa Milà (La Pedrera) story, in the app's voice
A short preview. The full story plays on its own when you walk up to it with Urban Tales.
Three stories most visitors miss
1
2
No walls holding it up
The stone façade doesn't carry the building: columns and beams do. That let every apartment have a different, freely shaped floor plan.
3
The warriors on the roof
The chimneys and ventilation towers on the roof look like helmeted guards. The twisted iron balconies were made with Gaudí's collaborator Josep Maria Jujol.
TipThe rooftop is the highlight; visit near sunset or book a night visit. Look at the façade from the corner of Passeig de Gràcia and Carrer de Provença to see the waves. With Urban Tales running, its story plays as you reach it.
Nearby landmarks
Casa Milà (La Pedrera): common questions
Why is Casa Milà called La Pedrera?
It means 'the stone quarry' in Catalan: the rough, wavy stone façade reminded people of one. It started as a mocking nickname.
When was Casa Milà built?
Between 1906 and 1912, for Pere Milà and Roser Segimon.
Can you visit La Pedrera?
Yes, including an apartment, the attic and the rooftop. Book online, especially for sunset and night visits.