A “hidden” story on La Pedrera’s façade

In a previous post, we discussed the “sentry” walkway atop Casa Milà’s façade. Engraved into the stone railing of this walkway is a fragmented inscription, engraved in Jujol’s unique handwriting style: “Ave – Gratia – M – Plena –Dominus – Tecum”. These are the words the Archangel Gabriel spoke to Mary during the Annunciation and the Immaculate Conception.

Inscriptions on La Pedrera’s façade

This inscription, located at the top of La Pedrera’s façade, is framed by two elements at either end: At the start, on Passeig de Gràcia, are three lilies, symbolising purity; at the end, on Carrer de Provença, is a symbol whose meaning remains unclear. Around this second symbol, various theories and possibilities have emerged; it might represent either a crown or a ring, but its true meaning remains a mystery yet to be uncovered. At the centre of the inscription, near the “M” for the Virgin Mary, is a relief of a rose. This symbolises Mary while also paying tribute to the name of Casa Milà’s first owner, Roser Segimon, wife of Pere Milà.

These are the symbols found atop the building, but there was once a plan to place a sculpture at the midpoint of the chamfered corner, directly above the “M” for Mary. The proposed sculpture depicted the Mother of God with Jesus, flanked by the Archangels Michael and Gabriel. Carles Mani, a frequent collaborator of Gaudí, created a plaster model of the sculpture and presented it to the property owners. However, the sculpture was never carved or installed, and there are various theories as to why. Some suggest aesthetic disagreements between Pere Milà and Gaudí, while others point to the Tragic Week (1909) and the anti-clerical uprisings that shook the city as possible reasons.

Whatever the reason, the sculpture was never completed. Nonetheless, the other elements of La Pedrera’s façade provide valuable insight into Gaudí’s symbolic passion, evident throughout his work.