Park Güel in Barcelona

Park Guell by Antoni Gaudi

Park Güell (Catalan: Parc Güell; Catalan pronunciation: [ˈpark ˈɡweʎ]) is a garden complex with architectural elements situated on the hill of el Carmel in the Gràcia district of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. It was designed by the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí and built in the years 1900 to 1914. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Works of Antoni Gaudí". Park Guell was commissioned by Eusebi Güell who wanted to create a stylish park for Barcelona aristocracy.

The park contains amazing stone structures, stunning tiling and fascinating buildings. You can see from this picture the Gaudi dragon fountain that is at the entrance to Guell park. This dragon is adorned in beautiful coloured tiling and there is something rather hypnotic and magical about it.

Here you can see a walkway supported by twisting rock pillars that seem to be growing out of the ground like tree trunks. Although these are rather irregular in shape they do feel strangely natural too.

 

Gaudi was strongly influenced by natural shapes and used them in his work.

At the top of Guell park is a terraced area where you get a wonderful view of the park and of Barcelona City. Here you will find multi-coloured tiled mosaic seats as shown in this picture. The vibrant colours of the tiles are truly breathtaking.

Park Guell also has a small house in the park which Gaudi lived in at one stage. The house has now been converted into a museum and contains interesting furniture also designed by Gaudi.

TIP: If you're visiting the park by metro be prepared for at least a 20 min walk. The last 200 m walk is up a steep hill. If you have difficulties going up steep steps then a taxi or bus may be a better means of transport. You'll find bus information at the tourist information office at Placa de Catalunya.

How to get to Park Guell

Metro stop "Lesseps"

(Green Line, L3)

On leaving the metro follow the

street signposts for the park.

Open hours from 10:00

(closing time varies for different

 times of year but is normally around 19:00).

Entrance Fee - Free