On a hill to the north of the neighborhood of Gracia stands the Park Güell, another creation that is part of Gaudí’s masterpieces. Park Güell in Barcelona is a public park with green gardens and exceptional architectural elements.
It is the ideal place for you to walk, stroll, relax and get away from the hectic city environment and enjoy more of the master’s work. If you want to walk and exercise a little, you can climb to the top of the park and enjoy spectacular views.
If you want to visit the monuments area, especially the famous lizard and the hall of columns, you must pay, but it is well worth it. As it is a very crowded area and there are long lines to get in, it is best to buy your ticket online and get a discount.
Park Güell in Barcelona, Gaudí’s star work.
It was named after the wealthy businessman Eusebi Güell, an admirer of Gaudí’ s works and who was the main sponsor. Initially the project was conceived to build a luxury residential complex, but over time the initiative was abandoned and a park was built with a fairy-tale decoration.
It was finally inaugurated in 1922 and since then it has become one of the flagship sites of Barcelona. UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site in 1984.
It has an extension of 17 hectares and its creation was inspired by the forms of nature.
In it you find undulating forms, geometric shapes, animal figures and tree-like columns, among other masterpieces. Most of its surface is decorated with mosaics made with colored ceramics.
Gaudí took advantage of a 60-meter drop in the mountain in order to create a path to spiritual elevation. He wanted to build a chapel at the top but it was replaced by the Calvary Monument located in the highest part of the park and from where the best views of the city can be seen.
Creations and sites to admire in the park
- The huge 110-meter long bench located in the large square right in the center of the park. It has the appearance of a snake covered by ceramic pieces.
- The Gaudí House Museum where the artist lived between 1906 and 1925.
- Two little houses at the entrance that look like a fairy tale. One of them is a store and the other is the Ranger’s House where there are audiovisuals about the park’s past.
You can visit the park every day, depending on the season, between 8:00 am and 9:00 pm. Children between 7 and 12 years old are allowed. Children under 6 years old are free.
