No traveler should leave Barcelona without first visiting Park Guell, one of the most famous legacies Antonio Gaudi left to this world. One good reason to do so is because this place is awesome and stimulates your imagination; another one because it's free of charge!
One of my birthday presents this year was a six days trip to Barcelona. Despite the fact that is was my first rainy B-day ever and had to wear a scarf and a jacket (and that was in June), I had a fabulous time visiting Gaudi's masterpieces which I totally love and appreciate for their ingenuity. This was my third time in Barcelona (I got married here six years ago) and my second visit to Park Guell .
Park Guell was commissioned by Gaudi's patron, Eusebi Güell, and was designed and built between 1900 and 1914. Nowadays Park Guell is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Works of Antoni Gaudí'. I always thought Barcelona was more than anything else a 'one man show'. I simply can't imagine Barcelona being the tourist hub it is today without the works of its probably most famous son, architect Antonio Gaudi.
For a proper visit to Park Guell one should reserve at least half a day. Picnic spots can be found all around the park so packing a few sandwiches and some water might be a good idea, especially that the park is situated up on a hill and places you can buy food from are scarce and expensive.
For a proper visit to Park Guell one should reserve at least half a day. Picnic spots can be found all around the park so packing a few sandwiches and some water might be a good idea, especially that the park is situated up on a hill and places you can buy food from are scarce and expensive.
Park Guell is one of the most beautiful and innovative parks out there and you most surely will find it both refreshing and unique. The imagination and the personality of Gaudi surpass the time and come to life through the different stone structures and fascinating buildings. The whole park is sprinkled with twisting pathways that take you up the hill, all the way to some private residences. The farther you go from the entrance and the terrace, the quieter it gets. In fact, at the top of the hill you will meet only the residents walking their dogs. The best part of the path is the walkway supported by twisting rock pillars that seem to be growing out of the ground like tree trunks. Comfortable shoes are recommended as there might be quite a great deal of walking involved.
The lowest point of the park is the main entrance, the one guarded by the two ginger bread like pavilions and the famous salamander fountain, the symbol of Barcelona, which you can take home in form of a fridge magnet available in any gift shop around the city. Some people call the colorful tiled salamander a dragon, but it doesn't have anything of a dragon's looks to me. It is just a cute blue and yellow tamed salamander hiding in the open. I bet it only eats colorful candies and it will stay next to you for a picture or two (though you might have to cue for that).
At the top of Park Guell is a terraced area where you get a wonderful bird's eye view of the park's entrance and of Barcelona, especially on a sunny, clear day when you will be able to see the entire city spread out at your feet. Surrounding the terrace is the uniquely shaped ondulating bench that enables people sitting on it to converse privately. The bench is covered in a multi-coloured tiled mosaic both intriguing and wonderful. The vibrant colours and the forever changing patterns of the tiles are truly breathtaking. The terrace offers no shade and during the hot summer months it can be quite dusty because it's not paved at all. Also, when it rains, it gets all muddy. This is the meeting point of street performers, hawkers and all the tourists visiting Guell Park and it is great for people watching. The rooftoped terrace is supported on doric columns and coveres the lower court.
Inside Park Guell you will also find Gaudi House Museum, a small house where Gaudi lived in at one stage. The house has now been converted into a museum and contains interesting furniture also designed by Gaudi. While visiting Park Guell is free of charge, visiting the Gaudi House Museum is not.
Practical information:
Opening Hours Park Güell:
May to September. Everyday from 10h to 21h
October to April. Everyday from 10h to 20h
November to March. Everyday from 10h to 19h
Opening Hours Gaudi House Museum:
April to September. Everyday from 10h to 20h
October to March. Everyday rom 10h to 18h
How to get to Guell Park (bear in mind the park has three entrances):
Underground: Get off at "Lesseps" (línea L3) and follow the the indications of the tourist panels. The park is a 15-20 minutes walk away up on the hill.
Bus: You can use many bus lines, the ones that let you closer are: 24 - 31 - 32 - 74 - 92 - Bus del barri 112 - Tourist Bus red line. Some buses leave you in front of one of the park's entrances.
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Wow - what interesting architecture! The scene looks like it's from a fairytale. I love the picture of the museum - they look like they are gingerbread homes!
ReplyDeleteI've recently learnt that learning about the history of a place before you visit or at least while you're visiting really makes the place come alive! Thanks for sharing!
I love that park, and anything by Gaudi.
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite places in the world! Great write up and photos! :)
ReplyDeleteIt's just such a fanatsy land, isn't it? Really great pictures and very helpful info.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know about this when I was in Barcelona. Ilove Gaudi, and I will definitely check this out on my next trip. Thanks for sharing your photos!
ReplyDeleteLove this park and you did a great job capturing the spirit and feeling of Gaudi's work.
ReplyDeleteYou got beautiful shots. I had a chance to visit Casa Mila when I was in Spain and I fell in love With Gaudi's architecture. I would love to return and experience this.
ReplyDeletePark Guell is certainly one of the most astonishing cultural spots in Barcelona! Such fusion of color, atmosphere and inspiration. loved it!
ReplyDeletewow this is called a great art
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