Casa Amatller: a jewel of catalan modernism right next door
Just a short walk from the Hotel Continental Palacete, on the elegant Passeig de Gràcia, stands a modernist gem that may not be as famous as its neighbor Casa Batlló, but has a special and authentic charm of its own: Casa Amatller. Its story blends the chocolate-making tradition of an entrepreneurial family with the artistic vision of one of Catalonia’s great modernist architects, Josep Puig i Cadafalch.
a family of chocolate makers
Antoni Amatller, heir to three generations devoted to chocolate, was much more than a businessman. He traveled across Europe, introduced industrial innovations, and transformed his factory into one of Spain’s most prosperous chocolate producers in the 19th century. His passion went beyond the business: he surrounded himself with renowned illustrators such as Alfons Mucha, creating wrappers and collectible cards that are today considered true works of art.
the architect and the “block of discord”
To transform his home in the Eixample district, Antoni turned to Puig i Cadafalch, a key figure of Catalan modernism alongside Gaudí and Domènech i Montaner. The result was Casa Amatller, right on Passeig de Gràcia, within the famous “block of discord.” This curious nickname arose from the rivalry between several modernist architects whose works were built side by side: Gaudí’s Casa Batlló, Domènech i Montaner’s Casa Lleó i Morera, and Puig i Cadafalch’s Casa Amatller. The inevitable comparison of their styles led locals to dub the block with this playful name.
a visit with something for everyone
Today, Casa Amatller welcomes visitors as a house museum, offering experiences to suit all tastes:
- guided tours and audioguide visits
- tours that include a cup of hot chocolate, a delicious nod to the family’s history
- family-friendly activities and theatrical visits that bring the house’s past to life
- a mobile app (amatller.app) that allows you to take a virtual tour
the amatller institute of hispanic art
Housed in the same building, the Amatller Institute of Hispanic Art has become a leading European center with over 360,000 photographs and 30,000 art-related titles. It is a true treasure for researchers and culture lovers, keeping Antoni Amatller’s innovative spirit alive.
practical information
- address: Passeig de Gràcia, 41 (just 170 meters from the Hotel Continental Palacete)
- opening hours: Casa Museo Amatller, daily from 10 am to 8 pm (closed on December 25, 26 and January 6)
- contact: casa@amatller.org
- visit languages: spanish, catalan, english, french, italian, german, chinese
If you are staying at the Hotel Continental Palacete, don’t miss the chance to discover this modernist jewel that combines art, history and, of course, chocolate. It is a perfect plan to travel back in time and experience the cultural heartbeat of Barcelona at the turn of the 20th century.
