Other than sex, there seems to be no stronger temptation in this world than chocolate. That luscious, dark confection can bring strong men to their knees and make smart women swoon.
“My therapist told me the way to achieve true inner peace
is to finish what I start. So far today,
I have finished 2 bags of M&M’s and a chocolate cake.
I feel better already.”
— Dave Barry
The Barcelona Quest
The last thing I had on my mind that day was chocolate. We were in Barcelona, thrilled to be seeing Antoni Gaudi’s masterpieces of architecture. The Sagrada Familia and Park Güell were first on our checklist. Done!
Now we wanted to see some residential architecture, so we headed to the “Block of Discord” – featuring three adjacent houses on the fashionable boulevard “Passeig de Gràcia” designed by the foremost modernist architects at the turn of the 20th century. They also happened to be rivals with very different styles. Hence the “Block of Discord!”
Our target was the Casa Batlo designed by Gaudi.
I stood there studying the signature “no straight lines” of the Gaudi house and loved it, as I do all things Gaudi. But I found my eyes constantly drawn to the house beside it.
It was gorgeous!
Casa Amatller
When chocolate baron Antoni Amatller bought the house, he engaged architect Puig i Cadafalch to re-envision the structure and work his magic … so he did. The result: Gothic meets Flemish, becomes Modernist Catalan.
“This playful building is one of Puig i Cadafalch’s finest creations. Inspired by17th-century Dutch townhouses, it has a distinctive stepped Flemish pediment covered in shiny ceramics, while the lower façade and doorway are decorated with lively sculptures by Eusebi Arnau. These include chocolatiers at work, almond trees and blossoms (in reference to the family name) and Sant Jordi slaying the dragon.” –Time Out Barcelona
Although I have encountered beautifully patterned buildings before, Casa Amatller took my breath away. I think the whimsical blue shutters sealed the deal … I was smitten and just stood there smiling.
I was dumbstruck because I’d never seen a building that instantly reminded me of a Flemish tapestry. My first thought was of The Lady and the Unicorn tapestries, housed in the Musée de Cluny, with their backgrounds of “mille-fleurs” (thousand flowers) similar to the flower tiles that coat the house. There were also the parallels of mythical beasts, and of course, a heroine.
Back to the Chocolate … What We All Came For!
Chocolates Amatller, founded in 1797, is one of the oldest chocolate brands in Spain. When Antoni Amatller followed in the footsteps of his chocolatier father, he inherited a high-quality product, so he modernized production lines, embraced marketing, and BAM! … increased sales!
One of his best decisions was to commission Czech artist Alphonse Mucha to create a seductive container for his chocolates. From that moment forward, Amatller has used Art Nouveau to heighten the appeal of its chocolates by designing alluring wrappers, gorgeous tins, and eye-catching posters. These branding techniques turned the chocolates into presentation-worthy gifts … a tradition that continues today.
I must admit that after discovering Casa Amatller and its history, we did feel it was important to field test the “product” … you know, to be certain it was safe for consumption and that we could recommend it. We can gleefully report that Amatller Chocolate is delicious … try the chocolate leaves.
“Your hand and your mouth agreed many years ago that,
as far as chocolate is concerned,
there is no need to involve your brain.”
–Dave Barry
Sweetly Yours,
Terri
Photo Credits:
3. By Elena Stromberger via Wikimedia Commons
4. By Amadalvarez via Wikimedia Commons
5. By Yearofthedragon via Wikimedia Commons
10. Courtesy Chocolates Amatller
11. By Pere López via Wikimedia Commons
GALLIVANCE 
Good Chocolate! I felt like I was at the opera reading this piece. Bravo! Can’t wait to see it for myself.
Hi Terri and Jonathan, Thanks. Isn’t it funny how reading about chocolate makes you want it. I guess it’s kindof like Pavlov’s dog. So how is your planning going for your trip? All the best, Terri
Terri,
These building so charming. Now I feel like to have some chocolate.
Hi Luksana, I know how you feel. I guess they’re both irresistible! ~Terri
I love this building, and the Dave Barry quotes too. But for some reason, I have yet to sample the chocolate. I think I’ve found my afternoon plans for today… 😉
Hi Jessica, I love the photo you took of both houses side by side. Have you been in both of them, or is Casa Amatller still under renovation? Enjoy your chocolate fix! All the best, Terri
OMG, now I absolutely MUST go to Barcelona. 😀
I thought I’d enjoy the phenomenal architecture (and that would have been enough for me and my camera), but you’re telling me there’s good chocolate and Art Nouveau tins to be had too? Why haven’t people told me about this before?
Great post – I loved the photos and the chance to see the work of other architects than Gaudi. The quotes were fantastic too and put me in the mood for some chocolate consumption of my own. 😀 Now I only need to see if we still have some…
Hi Swytla, Isn’t it funny how the mere mention of chocolate can start your taste buds tingling! The tins are wonderful collectibles … and the contents are pretty tasty too. Barcelona is definitely a great city to put on your “must-see” list – actually anywhere in Spain is a joy! All the best, Terri
I love those two chocolate quotes!
I went to Barcelona in 1974 and remember seing the Sagrada Familia and thinking it was fabulous. I also seem to remember them saying that it would be finished in about 40 years – but somehow I don’t think that’s going to be happening.
Hi Elaine, Dave Barry always seems to nail it – this time for sure. I just read that the most current projection for completion of the Sagrada Familia is 2026, but I’m with you – doubtful! It would be fun to see it without all the cranes just once! ~Terri
Hi Anne, Thanks so much for the reblog! All the best, Terri
I have now cracked into the chocolate Easter egg i have sitting on my desk, way before actual Easter. So worth it.
Too funny Catherine! I’ve had to resort to the bag of chocolate chips I keep hidden in the pantry! LOL ;~} Terri
hehehe sneaky! no judgment here 😉
I tell myself the little chips are portion control – unless you eat them by the fistful!
Loved this post. Somehow I missed the Casa Amatller AND the chocolates when I was there oh-so-many-years ago — like 38! Beautiful photos and great commentary, Terri.
You guys should travel and write about it! Oh, wait — you do!
Hi Susan, and thanks so much. We definitely would have missed Casa Amatller if we hadn’t been going to see the Gaudi house. I guess luck counts too! We had the Amatller little chocolate leaves in the tin and they were delish. Wait! That’s what we need – a chocolate tour of the world. I’m in! Love, T
Thanks so much for sharing this, the house is beautiful and to bad i have no chocolate in the house.
Hi Joyce, Isn’t it funny that there never seems to be chocolate in the house when you really need it! But of course Easter is coming so there should be plenty of opportunities for chocolate bunnies. Love to you and Dascal, T & J
Beautiful photos! And I am always a sucker for amazing packaging. Hope to visit Barcelona one day.
Many thanks, Melanee. I’m with you about being a sucker for great packaging. My Mom always said, “It’s all about presentation. You can serve Kraft Mac and Cheese, – just put it in a beautiful bowl they’ll love it!” Hope you get to go to Barcelona soon. ~Terri
*sigh* I love Barcelona! Every opportunity I get, we travel to that gorgeous gorgeous city and drink it all in. Thanks for the post!
Hi Tia Dia, It looks like we are of one mind when it comes to loving Barcelona. I saw on your site that you’ve been fabric shopping – one of my all-time favorite pastimes. They are all gorgeous, although I did fall in love with the purple knit! All the best, Terri
My Czech neighbor was just saying last night she wanted to visit Spain, and I told her about your blog. Am forwarding to her! Beautiful photos! And I really wish I had a piece of that chocolate right now. 🙂 – Kaye
Hi Kaye, thanks for your kind words and forwarding our blog to your neighbor. I just checked out your new Winter Garden Part lll show and it looks great. You’ll be glad to know I have green onions planted on my balcony. And as for the chocolate, I think we’ve burned through every piece in the house today! Oh well. ;~} Terri
what so beautiful photo and breathtaking ! thank you for sharing
Thank you so much! I love your photos of the Bogor Street Carnival – such a wonderful city. We were there a few years ago and enjoyed it tremendously. All the best, Terri
Actually I do not like the environment of the cities here since they are fully with billboards, small advertising and wires. Thank you very much, Terri. Best wishes
Something as delicious as chocolate deserves such exquisite packaging, even if it doesn’t need it! You find the most amazingly designed and decorated buildings. I always love to come here for a visual treat.
Hi Catherine, what a cool comment. In addition to chocolate, I’m also a sucker for interesting architecture – at least that doesn’t impact my waistline! LOL! All the best, Terri
This is why my husband and I must see Spain – the architecture and the chocolate. Believe it or not, he will probably prefer the chocolate while I savor the buildings. Lovely post!
Hey Anita. We lived in England for 3 years and it’s our favorite in Europe. However, Spain is my favorite country on the continent, hands down. The north of Spain feels more like southern England, and the south feels more like Africa. It has amazing variety, and is a wonderful destination, no matter where you go. Given your musical predilections, I’m thinking that Flamenco in Seville may be just your cup of tea. It’s awesome to hear and see. BTW, did you tell your husband about sangria? ~James
Jeesh, Vances: We only have three months in Spain! Now you’ve added yet another must-see in Barcelona. Ah, well: it’s a good thing there’s a new, high-speed train between Girona and Barcelona (37 minutes!). Nine days to departure (and counting)…
Hey Tom, we just see it as out job to keep adding to your already overflowing “Spain Dance card” with all the goodies we can think of. I did not know about the high-speed train – how perfect! So this weekend is your big sale. Are you and Louise ready for it? You must be so excited. If you’re like us, by the time you get on the plane you just melt into the seat with relief! ;~} Terri
Wow! can’t believe we missed this one. I have one picture of the exterior but didn’t realize what was on the inside!!
I love that the Casa Batlo and the Casa Amatller are so differnt from each other – for me it was just more to enjoy! ~Terri
Love these houses that demand to be photographed, but how in the world did I totally miss out on the chocolate connection?
Hi Gayle, we didn’t know a thing about it before we went. We discovered a little sign on the inside edge of the front door, but still didn’t appreciate the significance until we looked it up online. Fortunately the Amatller Foundation has now updated signage and displays. Guess we’ll have to go back. Yay! ~Terri
Oh, Dave Barry…”there is no need to involve your brain [adding…when chocolate is made in sumptuous architecture]. Enjoyed the post 🙂
Thanks Allyson. Dave Barry hooks me every time! ;~} Terri
My mouth was watering just reading this post! And the architecture was quite lovely too! 🙂
Hi LuAnn, It’s hard to concentrate on architecture when there’s a promise of chocolate! ~Terri
One can ignore the chocolate when presented with outstanding photographs of Barcelona. Virginia
Thanks Virginia … you’re a stronger woman that I am! LOL! All the best, Terri
I hear you sister, chocolate is the best, my one addiction………..
James brought home a little chocolate Easter bunny this afternoon … I don’t think it will last long! ;~} Terri
Barcelona is maybe my favorite city, you find amazing things everywhere. Thanks for the beautiful backstory
Thanks Winnie and Jeremy! Barcelona definitely offers amazing things everywhere – that’s one of its great joys. I love your post “A Tale of Two Travelers.” You two have found the key and you’re so inspiring. All the best, Terri
I’d love to see Barcelona, and Gaudi’s building, and it’s obvious there are many more treasures, to see and to eat
With your wonderful photographer’s eye you would be in heaven. Barcelona is filled with so many fantastic sights that you’ll take thousands of photos. All the best, Terri
I’ve seen so many photos of Gaudi’s Casa Batlo but this is the first time someone thought to include the magnificent house next door. What a beautiful building.
Though I was in Madrid last summer I didn’t manage to get to Barcelona. Next time.
Hi Rosie, I just love these “happy circumstances” where I’m determined to look at one thing and end up liking something else better! I guess “luck counts too.” We hadn’t been to Barcelona for several years and we’re so glad we went back … but we missed Madrid. Next time. All the best, Terri
You’ve combined two of my favourite things, chocolate and architecture. Yum!
Thanks Carolin. As you can tell from the post, they are two of my favorites as well. The Modernist Architecture in Barcelona is wonderful, and the chocolate … well it goes without saying. Thanks. ~Terri
The pics are scrumptious!
Thanks Hannah!
Wonderful tribute to chocolate and architecture! Beautiful pics – I studied in Spain for a semester in college and would love to go again.
A semester in Spain sounds perfect to me. I’m sure that it was a wonderful experience, and a real eye-opener for a college student. ~Terri
We lived in Seville/Madrid for 12 years. But love Barcelona–such beautiful and varied buildings all over the city center. Thanks for the post!
Thanks for the comment and for dropping by the blog Rhonda. Living in Spain for 12 years must have been a wonderful experience. We’ve visited Spain a number of times, and it’s always one of our favorites. We spent time in Seville, and enjoyed it as well. ~Terri
oh my! this is so cool! i hope i can visit those some day. great entry my friend! 🙂
Barcelona is a wonderful place and definitely deserves a visit. I hope you can make it. ~Terri
I hope so! In time, im still young i can make it someday. 🙂 hehehe!
That tin is just beautiful. I do believe I’d buy just about anything wrapped up in that- even if it weren’t delicious chocolate! Thank you for introducing me to a new artist in Alphonse Mucha!
I’m with you Miranda – I’m a total sucker for the tins! And the contents isn’t bad either! Alphonse Mucha was immensely talented, and now his work lives on. Yay! ~Terri
My kind of house 🙂
I’m with you on that … and the chocolate isn’t bad either! ;~} Terri
Thanks for the inspiration as I am working on a post about the facade of a confectionary shop. Hope you’ll get to see it finished soon! And Barcelona… ahh, still on my bucket list..
Thanks so much for the kind words. I would love a link to your post about the confectionary shop … I obviously have a “sweet tooth.” 🙂 And as for Barcelona, it’s always a great destination to keep on your bucket list. All the best, Terri
Here’s the link to my ‘Icing-facade’. Even though it’s not in beautiful Barcelona, I still hope you will enjoy it!
http://aboutartnouveau.wordpress.com/2013/11/06/steegoversloot-22-24-dordrecht/
I loved your story about chocolate – and the photos. As I write this, I’m drinking a lovely cup of German hot chocolate. I like your blog organization too.
Thank you Noreen. When we first saw Casa Amatlier I had no idea there was a chocolate connection – I just loved the beautiful tapestry of the house. But when I started researching it and discovered Amatlier Chocolate, well, there was no turning back. Love at first bite. 🙂 So glad that you stopped by. All the best, Terri
How fortunate I found this story about Barcelona (and the others you linked to). It is our good fortune that we will be in Barcelona in a couple of weeks. Your photos and descriptions are my favorite guidebook. – Mike
That’s great Mike. So glad that you found them helpful. We both really enjoy Barcelona, so it’s hard to go wrong with just about anything you decide to do. Have fun! ~Terri
Reblogged this on closetoeighty and commented:
Love CHOCOLATE! Love GALLIVANCE! Enjoyed BARCELONA (four days there) and enjoyed this post. Thank you, Terri and James.
Happy New Year JF! Like you we love Barcelona. So glad you enjoyed this post – thanks for reblogging it. All the best, Terri & James
Ha! I loved that first quote. I am definitely a chocolate lover.
Thanks Mani. Dave Barry always makes me smile too. And as for loving chocolate … ditto! 🙂 ~Terri
Wow Miranda, you certainly captured the wonderful essence that is Casa Batlló. In addition to the undulating facade, I just love the roofline. And I didn’t know the story of what it is said to represent. Brilliant! And thank you for the lovely shout-out for The House That Chocolate Built. It’s hard to believe there are 2 such interesting houses (and their stories) sitting next door to each other. I was in heaven. Fabulous post! All the best, Terri & James
I just wish I could be a mouse in your pockets!!!!
Laurie, Barcelona is one of our favorite cities in Spain, and the architecture is one of the reasons … well and the wine, and the food. ~James