Manzana de la Discordia

Battle of the buildings - 1900 -1907.

Means "manzana" = block and apple, block of dicord or apple of discord. Apple from Greek mythology. Tossed on Mt. Olympus by Discord. Orders that it be given to the most beautiful goddess. Big fight breaks out that leads to the Trojan War - fatal choice of Paris when he was told to judge.

Visit when overcast, so that you can see the details in the buildings better.

Casa Lleo Morera - Passeig de Gracia, 35.

- Buiding with a fairy-tale minaret. Closed inside. Look for lions, mulberry trees, and green ceramics.

Casa Amatller - Passeig de Gràcia 41

Ground floor is open to public. Find turrets and gallery of grotesque gargoyles.

- Architect Montaner also designed the Hospital St. Paul and the Palace of Music.

- Find the twisted columns and coat of arms carved into stone.

- Find St. George slaying the dragon and clinging to a column (not sure if image is correct).

All windows and shape of house in a stylized "A" for Antoni Amatller's initials. He was a chocolate baron and the house is good enough to eat.

Casa Batllo - Passeig de Gràcia 43. Designed by Gaudi. Called the "House of Bones" or the "House of the Dragon".

- Exterior looks like the Legend of St. George slaying the dragon. Stare at it long enough and it looks like it is living.

Blue-green ceramics look like dragon's skins.

Cross on top was the lance used to kill the dragon.

Slope of roof is the dragon's back.

Balcony railings, and window pillars look like the bones of the dragon's victims.

Interior of the house. The first floor the most important floor is "seen and be seen."

Find inside the mushroom shaped fireplace.

Pay attention to the details. Notice that Gaudi made the brass window handles fit perfectly in the shape of a hand.

Children lived here when it was built. What do you think they thought of living in the spooky house?