If you’re wandering around Barcelona and suddenly see a building that looks like it’s straight out of a fairytale – complete with pointy towers and a medieval vibe – you’ve probably stumbled upon Casa de les Punxes. Locals call it the “House of Spikes” and once you see the six sharp towers rising up from it, you’ll get why.
This striking building sits on Avinguda Diagonal, right where it meets Carrer Bruc and Carrer Rosselló in the Eixample neighborhood. It’s not as famous as Gaudí’s masterpieces like Casa Batlló or La Sagrada Família, but it’s absolutely worth a stop if you’re into magnificent architecture or just want that perfect Instagram shot.
The Backstory
Casa de les Punxes was designed by Josep Puig i Cadafalch, one of the big names in Catalan Modernisme (basically Barcelona’s version of Art Nouveau). It was built in the early 1900s for the Terradas family, who wanted one big house split into three parts – one for each of the daughters. So, Puig i Cadafalch came up with this castle-like design that looks both Gothic and modern at the same time.
The building is officially called Casa Terradas, but everyone uses “les Punxes” because of the six spiky towers that dominate the rooftop. They kind of look like something from a medieval fantasy – like a place where a dragon or a wizard wouldn’t feel out of place.
What Makes It Special
At first glance, it looks medieval, but if you get up close, you’ll see a ton of little details in the brickwork, iron railings, tiles, and stained glass. There are symbols all over the place—flowers, sea themes, even Catalan flags and dragons. A lot of the designs were political and cultural statements at the time, especially since Catalonia was going through a period of rediscovering its identity.
One panel on the building shows Saint George (Sant Jordi) slaying the dragon with a line in Catalan that says, “Saint Patron of Catalonia, give us back our freedom.” Indeed, this place had a message, even back then.
A Team Effort
Like most Modernist buildings, Casa de les Punxes wasn’t just the work of one guy. It was a collab between architects, sculptors, metalworkers, and glass artists. The sculptural details were done by Enric Monserdà, and the beautiful stained glass windows came from the Amigó workshop, which was a big deal back then.
Also, Puig i Cadafalch used some pretty innovative construction tricks – like iron beams and open interior spaces – which were very modern for the early 1900s.
From Private Mansion to Museum
Originally, this was a private residence. But after the Terradas sisters passed away, their brother took it over. Fast-forward a few decades, and in 1976, it was declared a national historic monument.
In 2016, it opened as a museum, where people could go inside, learn about the building’s history, Modernism, and even explore a rooftop that gives amazing city views. Sadly, the museum is currently closed, but the outside is still very much worth a visit.
Why You Should Go
Even if you can’t go inside right now, Casa de les Punxes is a stunner from the outside. You can grab a coffee nearby, walk around the building, and take in all the quirky, beautiful details. It’s right in the middle of the Eixample, so it’s an easy stop if you’re checking out La Sagrada Família or heading down Passeig de Gràcia.
If you are in the area do visit another gem that was designed by the brilliant architect, Puig I Cadafalch: Casa Amatller where you can have one of the best guided tours in Barcelona.
Conclusion
Casa de les Punxes is one of those hidden gems in Barcelona that feels like a cross between a castle and an art project. It has got towers, history, political messages, and plenty of charm. Even if you’re not an architecture nerd, you’ll appreciate how much character this place has.
Next time you’re exploring Barcelona, don’t miss it – just look for the spikes!