The aroma of cocoa has long been part of Barcelona’s urban atmosphere. Among the many chocolate brands, it is Amatller that has earned a special place in the city’s history, becoming not only a symbol of gastronomy but also an important part of Catalan Modernism. The brand’s story began at the end of the 18th century and continues to this day, preserving both tradition and a spirit of innovation.
The family business took its first steps in 1797, when a small chocolate shop opened in the Born district. Over time, the enterprise was passed down through generations, who expanded the product range and began to sell not only chocolate, but also cocoa, sugar, and vanilla. This became the foundation for the company’s future industrial growth and brought Amatller among the leading chocolate producers in 19th-century Spain.
The founder’s grandson, inspired by travels through Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, decided to modernize production. He introduced new technologies, expanded the factories in the Sant Martí de Provençals and Banyoles districts, and paid special attention to the product’s appearance. Thanks to this, Amatller became not only an industrial brand, but also a cultural phenomenon.
A special place in the company’s history belongs to its collaboration with artists and designers. In the early 20th century, renowned masters were commissioned to create advertising posters and packaging, allowing the brand to become one of the pioneers of modern advertising in Spain. The Amatller aesthetic became part of the visual code of Catalan Modernism, and the company’s signature posters still grace museum collections today.
Inspired by his success, the owner of the brand decided to build his own house on Passeig de Gràcia. The project was entrusted to architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch, and in 1900 Casa Amatller appeared on the famous ‘Block of Discord’—a building that became one of the brightest examples of Barcelona’s modernist architecture. Today, this house is recognized as a monument of history and art, with its façade and interiors attracting thousands of tourists.
Today, the Amatller brand is owned by Chocolates Simón Coll, but it remains true to its traditions. Shops in Barcelona, especially in the Born district, offer not only signature sweets but also guided tours about the brand’s history, workshops, and tastings. Here, you can try the famous thin chocolate leaves and exquisite confections, as well as enjoy hot chocolate made according to an old recipe and served in a mancerina—a vessel popular among the Spanish nobility in the 18th century.
Casa Amatller has become an integral part of Barcelona’s cultural heritage. The stained glass, sculptures, and decorative elements of the building serve as a reminder of the ambition to turn chocolate into true art. Today, a cozy café operates in the former vestibule, where carriages once arrived, offering visitors a chance to sample Amatller chocolate in an authentic setting.
Over two hundred years later, the brand continues to export its products to dozens of countries, while staying true to its Barcelona roots. Every Amatller creation carries not only the flavor but also the story of a family that made chocolate a part of the city’s cultural heritage and inspired the development of Catalan modernism.
