The dragon-scale roof and turret of Antoni Gaudi's Casa Batllo in Barcelona

This close-up view of the upper part of Casa Batllo shows the famous roof resembling a dragon's back, with its ceramic tiles in shades of blue, purple, and green. The cylindrical turret, crowned by a four-armed cross with the initials of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, represents Saint George's lance piercing the dragon, according to the most widespread interpretation. The polychrome mosaic of the facade continues up to the roof, creating an effect of chromatic continuity. The chimneys, also covered with trencadis, take on fantastic shapes. This architectural detail exemplifies Gaudi's ability to transform functional elements into sculptures.

Barcelona, Casa Batllo, roof, dragon, turret, Gaudi, Saint George, Spain