When you think of Barcelona, names like Gaudí, Sagrada Familia, and Casa Batlló immediately come to mind. But for travellers seeking a quieter, less-visited slice of the city’s Modernista charm, Casa Pàdua is a hidden treasure worth discovering.
Located at 75 Carrer de Pàdua in the Sant Gervasi neighbourhood, Casa Pàdua stands out with its striking green-and-red floral façade. This vibrant exterior was created using sgraffito, a technique where contrasting layers of paint are applied and then scraped to reveal patterns beneath. The result is a living artwork: a house that feels both playful and elegant.
The façade is adorned with stained glass windows, twisted wrought iron grilles, and organic, nature-inspired details typical of the Art Nouveau style. Despite its small size compared to Barcelona’s more famous landmarks, Casa Pàdua captures the imagination with its intricate craftsmanship and bold color palette.
Casa Pàdua dates back to 1903 and was designed by Jeroni Granell i Manresa, who also worked on the Palau de la Música Catalana and the Hospital de Sant Pau. Interestingly, the original owner is unknown, which is why it’s called “Casa Pàdua”—simply referencing its street address rather than a family name.
Over the years, the building has seen a variety of uses. By the 1970s, it served as the headquarters of perfume maker Essencias Buil, likely inspired by the floral exterior. After a period of neglect, Alonso Balaguer Arquitectes Associates restored Casa Pàdua in 1989, converting it into apartments and even adding a covered swimming pool inside.
Visiting Tips
- How to get there: Take the Lesseps metro station (Line 3) or the Pàdua FGC station (Line 6) for a short walk to the house.
- Nearby attractions: Casa Vicens, Park Güell, La Vila de Gràcia, La Pedrera, and Sagrada Familia.
- Photography: The façade is best captured in natural daylight to showcase its vibrant colors and intricate details.
If you want to carry a piece of this enchanting Modernista charm back with you, the Casa Padua, Barcelona Vintage Travel Poster is the perfect choice. Inspired by the building’s narrow, colorful façade, ornate balconies, and Art Nouveau floral details, this print captures the unique identity of Casa Pàdua in warm Mediterranean tones.
Perfect for lovers of travel, European design, and retro posters, this artwork conveys the intimate and timeless essence of one of Barcelona’s most captivating façades. Whether for your home, office, or a gift for a fellow traveller, it’s a beautiful way to celebrate the artistic legacy of Barcelona. In a city packed with famous Modernista landmarks, Casa Pàdua feels refreshingly intimate and personal. It’s a quiet corner where the artistry of Barcelona’s past meets contemporary life, making it perfect for architecture enthusiasts, photographers, or travellers who enjoy uncovering hidden stories in the city.
Step off the main streets and let Casa Pàdua surprise you—it’s one of those discoveries that makes Barcelona feel endlessly fascinating, now available to bring into your own space as a stunning vintage-inspired poster.
