Casa Batlló closes to protect itself from vandalism and defamation by protesters

Casa Batlló, one of Barcelona’s most famous buildings created by the genius of Antoni Gaudí, has been temporarily closing its doors since Oct. 29 to protect itself from vandalism.

Staffpremium, one of the outside companies that provides services to Casa Batlló, has had internal disagreements with some of its workers, who have gone on strike, sparking an escalation of tensions. Staffpremium employees have been on strike since October 8 and have continued to protest in front of Gaudi’s famous building ever since.

Since the strike began, Casa Batlló has suffered threats, defamation, and attacks against its employees, its visitors, and against the World Heritage Site itself.

Tensions peaked on Oct. 24, at about 8 p.m., when a riot was generated in front of the facade. A group of protesters threw stones at the building, causing part of the original 1906 windows, which were recently restored, to break with irreparable damage. At the same time, other protesters fired flares and firecrackers in front of the building, attacking street furniture and visitors.

“We are closing because the conditions do not exist to guarantee security for employees, visitors and our World Heritage Site,” said Casa Batlló director Gary Gautier, “despite the hiring of security personnel. We are closing to protect ourselves from physical attacks and to protect the building.”

Repeatedly, protesters used the Covid-19 pandemic situation to instill fear and distrust among visitors to Casa Batlló, claiming that the monument was not a safe place and also causing an avalanche of cancellations and complaints from visitors themselves. All this despite the implementation of anti-Covid security measures.

Visitors were also targeted by groups of protesters who had entered the monument, causing noise to deliberately disrupt the visit.

Pictured is Casa Batlló

Casa Batlló closes to protect itself from vandalism and defamation by protesters

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