Casa Lleó-Morera
- Address: Casa Lleó-Morera
Passeig de Gràcia, 35 - How to get there: Buses: 7, 16, 17, 22, 24, 28
Metro: Passeig de Gràcia (L2, L3 and L4) - Telephone(s): +34 93 488 01 39
- Nearest landmarks: Casa Amatller, Casa Batlló, Casa Milà (La Pedrera)
Articles also under Passeig De Gràcia / Manzana De La Discordia:
The Casa Lleó-Morera, designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner, is one of the greatest examples of Catalonian modernism. It is the first building to be found on the so-called block of discord when coming up Passeig de Grácia. The building's interesting name does not correspond to the name of its owners (which was the custom for buildings constructed in Barcelona around that time). "Lleons" (lions) and "Moreres" (mulberry trees) originates from the decorative elements inspired by medieval coats of arms that Doménech i Montaner wanted to reflect in his work
All of the building's decoration, on the facade as well as the interior, expresses the dominant sensibilities of its time and recalls, in many instances, a Wagneresque atmosphere. It must be noted that in 1902, the year construction began on the building, Richard Wagner was the most popular composer amongst bourgeois Catalonians, the same people who went for the modernist style in their buildings.
In reality, the Casa Lleó-Morera wasn´t built from scratch. Rather, it resulted from a renovation of an earlier building, the Casa Rocamora, built in 1864. Domènech i Montaner won first prize for his design in an architectural competition organised by the city government. However, over the years, the building didn't always experience good times.
The passing of time...
For years, especially in the mid-twentieth century, the building was largely forgotten and suffered a number of attacks during the Civil War and the post-war period. As a result of these attacks, some extraordinary sculptures depicting nymphs, pieces by another notable Catalonian artist, Eusebi Arnau, were destroyed.
However, an anecdote reveals why they were not lost completely. The building's porter, upon witnessing the attack on the building, collected the sculptures that remained intact. Some time later, Salvador Dalí himself developed an interest in the sculptures and managed to acquire them for what would amount to 30 euros today. Nowadays, one of these sculptures can be seen at the Dalí Museum in Figueres, in the province of Girona.
In 1992 the building began a process of restoration in order to recuperate some of the lost elements and assure its conservation. This now offers the opportunity to maintain the building in perfect condition. However, although its interior is one of the best examples of modernism in the city, the Casa Lleó-Morera is under private ownership and cannot be visited. The building does, however, guarantee a fascinating time admiring its facade, decorated with medieval arches, mythical fairies, busts and representations of the female form.
All of the building's decoration, on the facade as well as the interior, expresses the dominant sensibilities of its time and recalls, in many instances, a Wagneresque atmosphere. It must be noted that in 1902, the year construction began on the building, Richard Wagner was the most popular composer amongst bourgeois Catalonians, the same people who went for the modernist style in their buildings.
In reality, the Casa Lleó-Morera wasn´t built from scratch. Rather, it resulted from a renovation of an earlier building, the Casa Rocamora, built in 1864. Domènech i Montaner won first prize for his design in an architectural competition organised by the city government. However, over the years, the building didn't always experience good times.
The passing of time...
For years, especially in the mid-twentieth century, the building was largely forgotten and suffered a number of attacks during the Civil War and the post-war period. As a result of these attacks, some extraordinary sculptures depicting nymphs, pieces by another notable Catalonian artist, Eusebi Arnau, were destroyed.
However, an anecdote reveals why they were not lost completely. The building's porter, upon witnessing the attack on the building, collected the sculptures that remained intact. Some time later, Salvador Dalí himself developed an interest in the sculptures and managed to acquire them for what would amount to 30 euros today. Nowadays, one of these sculptures can be seen at the Dalí Museum in Figueres, in the province of Girona.
In 1992 the building began a process of restoration in order to recuperate some of the lost elements and assure its conservation. This now offers the opportunity to maintain the building in perfect condition. However, although its interior is one of the best examples of modernism in the city, the Casa Lleó-Morera is under private ownership and cannot be visited. The building does, however, guarantee a fascinating time admiring its facade, decorated with medieval arches, mythical fairies, busts and representations of the female form.
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