At Casa Batlló for Saint Jordi’s Day in Barcelona, Spain

© Jon Arnold Images Ltd/Alam

A house of dragons and roses. A legend and a legendary home

To celebrate Saint Jordi’s Day today, we’re studying the intricate façade of Casa Batlló in Barcelona, Spain. The holiday is a local variation of Saint George’s Day – a celebration in several nations, kingdoms, countries, and cities of which Saint George is the patron saint. According to legend, George/Jordi saved a princess from the clutches of a terrible dragon. After rescuing her, the knight gave the damsel a red rose, which has become an important symbol of the holiday in the Catalan region of Spain. Here in Barcelona, books are given to loved ones on St. Jordi’s Day, while music and dancing fills the streets.We might pause in our revelry to spend some time taking in Casa Batlló, designed by Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí. The building is heavily inspired by St. Jordi’s legend, with roses on the balconies for the holiday, and a roof made to look like dragon scales.