Ana Viladomiu, the last tenant of Antoni Gaudí's iconic Casa Milà in Barcelona, has opened up about her unique life in the world heritage site. The 70-year-old writer has lived in the apartment for nearly 40 years, raising her two daughters there. She describes the experience as a privilege but acknowledges the challenges of living in a tourist attraction that draws about a million visitors annually.
Life Under Constant Observation
Viladomiu admits that she cannot perform mundane tasks without being photographed. 'I can't take the rubbish out in my pyjamas because people will take photos or ask if I'm the woman who lives upstairs, like I'm a character,' she said. Despite this, she considers herself fortunate to inhabit such a space.
A Unique Rental Agreement
The apartment originally belonged to her husband, Fernando Amat, owner of the now-closed designer store Vinçon. Viladomiu holds a renta antigua contract, a fixed-rent agreement that allows her to live there until her death. Such contracts ceased in 1985, but an estimated 100,000 still exist across Spain. She declined to disclose the rent amount.
Historical and Architectural Significance
Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera (the quarry), was completed in 1910 and initially met with derision for its rockface-like appearance. It became a Unesco World Heritage site in 1984. Over the years, the building has housed various entities, including political parties during the Spanish Civil War, a bingo hall, and consulates. Today, the rest of the building contains offices and spaces for cultural events.
Viladomiu's apartment features Gaudí's signature light-filled, curvilinear design with ironwork evoking animal and marine forms. She has made no alterations, preserving original details like brass light switches. 'Everything still works,' she notes.
Famous Visitors and Personal Encounters
Viladomiu has hosted notable figures such as architect Zaha Hadid, former Barcelona mayor Pasqual Maragall, and fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier. She recalled meeting Gaultier by the lift while carrying oranges, leading to an impromptu tour. 'You've made my day,' he said, later sending her roses.
A Living Link to Gaudí's Legacy
Viladomiu's book, The Last Tenant, blends historical facts with auto-fiction, drawing from interviews with former residents. As 2026 marks the centenary of Gaudí's death, and with the pope set to bless the Sagrada Família's completed tower, Viladomiu remains a living reminder that Gaudí's creations were meant for living, not just tourism.
