Casa Thomas

The Casa Thomas in Barcelona's Eixample district is an outstanding example of Neo-Gothic and floral Modernisme, designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner. Built between 1895 and 1898, the building originally served as the family home and company headquarters of the printer Josep Thomas i Bigas. One of Europe's most renowned print shops was established on the premises, producing postcards, books, and posters using a variety of image reproduction techniques until the 1940s. The house was later expanded by the architect Francesc Guàrdia i Vial in order to generate rental income, with the original style carefully respected. Today the ground floor houses a designer furniture store, while a law firm occupies the main floor.

The facade on Carrer de Mallorca stands out for its complex composition of a wide central section and two side sections crowned by towers. The ground floor features a stone facade with a striking scarlet arch that serves as a huge window and is accompanied by floral wrought-iron grilles. Glazed ceramic tiles in shades of blue and gold also define the upper floors, decorated with eagle and flower motifs. A large balcony with a railing of intertwined sunflower stalks connects the side galleries. The fourth floor recalls medieval solanas, while the roof terrace is adorned with a railing featuring winged dragons and Catalan coats of arms.

Inside, the building preserves its historic splendor. The vestibule and staircase reflect the original furnishings, with white and golden marble floors as well as pilasters. The walls are covered with glazed tiles depicting eagles, lions, and bouquets of thistles. One highlight is the white marble railing with sculpted palm fronds, which leads to semicircular interior balconies. The floral stained-glass windows and the tiles painted with sunflower bouquets in the former shop have also been preserved, offering visitors an impressive glimpse into the aesthetics of Modernisme.