Park Güell

Here are five amazing things to do around Park Güell

1.) Gaudi’s Art Nouveau Architecture

Gaudí’s style was “el modernismo”, the Spanish branch of the Art Nouveau. To decorate the central plaça (central square), Gaudí perfected his own style using broken tiles – a technique called “trencadis” – which is used in his other buildings around the city, such as, the rooftop Chimneys in Casa Mila (La Pedrera), one of which is even entirely made of broken cava bottles. Extremely influenced by the forms of nature in his work, Gaudí intended to re-create nature throughout the park, with shell shapes or bone-like columns, leaves and waves. If you take a closer look at the bench around the central plaça, you will see that it has several small curves, to let rainwater escape quicker.

The entrance is the most adorned section of the park, with two fairytale-like houses (they seem right out of Hansel and Gretel!), leading to the central plaça with the renowned lizard fountain (also “trencadis”): be careful, it is the favorite “picture-time spot” for tourists! As the central plaçais supported by numerous pillars, it offers fantastic acoustics: that’s why you can see classical guitar players and other small bands almost every day.

2.) Take a break and enjoy the view

Stop at the central plaça, and enjoy the view of the whole city of Barcelona. You won’t see the sunset on the sea (which is to the east of Barcelona), but if you want to go there in the morning, it’s really worth waking up early (the park opens around 10 am). You will even see some of Barcelona’s famous landmarks, such as the Sagrada familia and the Montjuic.

3.) Gaudi House Museum (Casa Museu Gaudi)

The Gaudí House Museum was actually built within Park Güell. It was officially opened on the 28th of September 1963, as a museum. It was the residence of Antoni Gaudí for almost 20 years. Today, it offers an even more intimate approach to the architect and his work. The museum, acting as a “show house” for the Park Güell, adds extra value to this site.

4.) The neighborhood of parks in Barcelona

Park Güell is not the only green space in the city. In fact, the district is full of parks, all quite original and unique. the district is full of parks, all quiet, original and unique. Just to name some of them: A few examples include: Parc del Carmel, Parc Creuta del Coll, Parc Turo del Putget, Parc del Ginardo, Parc de Aigües… Barcelona is a green city and full of flowers!

5.) The Sagrada Familia

It can be seen from the Park Güell: It is the most famous work of Gaudí . It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site! Although the construction of Sagrada Família began in 1882, Gaudí only became involved in 1883, taking over the project and transforming it with his own architectural style, combining Gothic and curvilinear Art Nouveau forms. Gaudí devoted his last years to the project and at the time of his death in 1926, less than a quarter of the project was complete.

If you want to know more about the influence of Gaudí in Barcelona and learn everything there is to know about his masterpieces all around the city, you should take a Gaudí Walking Tour.

Insider’s tips:

• Picture tip: While walking around the Park Güell, have a sit on the weird Gaudi seats which actually look a bit like bathtubs and take incredibly funny (and stylish) pics!
• Go and find the Dragon of Park Güell. It’s a symbol of the Catalan legend of Saint George but it’s also the most important example of “trencadís” the technique that the modernists invented using broken tiles.
• If possible, visit the garden during the spring: the colors are amazing, as well as the flowers and nature in general.
• Go to the market, which is full of local artists, playing music and performing.

Facts about Park Güell

The Park Güell was built between 1900 and 1914, and designed by Antoni Gaudí – author of many works of wonder around Barcelona and the surrounding areas – and was commissioned by Count EusebiGüell, a political and religious man who shared many of Gaudí’s views on life and wanted to re-create the English gardens he so loved and admired. Many maps and guidebooks mistakenly write “ParcGüell” with the Catalan spelling, but the park’s gates show that “Park Güell” is written with an English spelling. The Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

How to get there

Subway: Lesseps station, line 3

Near By

1.) Restaurants near Park Guell:
El Jardí de l’Àpat, which offers a garden and a terrace. You will feel like you are away from the city, and still in the Park Guell (same subway station as Park Güell)

2.) Spend the evening near Park Guell:
Bar Eutopia, a bar with no frills which serves the best and cheapest cocktails in town (same subway station).