All about the Austria gardens in Park Guell

Guide to visit Park Guëll

Support when you need it

Customer service to help you with all your needs from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Fast and online booking

Choose the best option for your needs and preferences and avoid the lines.

Top attraction in Barcelona

Enjoy art and nature at Park Güell, an oasis of color and design in the city.

Quick info about the Austria gardens in Park Güell

The Austria Gardens, or “Jardines de Austria,” are another charming feature of Park Güell, showcasing Antoni Gaudí’s integration of nature with architecture.

Originally designed as a residential area, the gardens were later repurposed and landscaped with trees gifted from Austria, hence the name.

These gardens provide a peaceful retreat within the park, filled with native plant life and unique views of Gaudí’s architectural works.

Location of the Austria Gardens

Where to Find the Austria Gardens?

The Austria Gardens are located near the top of Park Güell, not far from the “Monumental Zone.”

They offer scenic paths and open spaces that lead visitors through the park’s higher elevations, providing panoramic views of Barcelona.

The gardens serve as a green oasis where visitors can relax while taking in the surrounding architecture and natural beauty.

The story behind the Austria Gardens

The design of the Austria Gardens is simple yet harmonious, blending seamlessly with the natural landscape of Park Güell. The paths are lined with local stone, and the greenery consists primarily of Mediterranean flora, including pine and palm trees. Gaudí’s typical use of natural materials like stone and earth is evident in the layout, reinforcing his philosophy of integrating architecture with the environment.

Gardens in the Park Güell

Key Features of the Austria Gardens

One of the most striking features of the Austria Gardens is the use of colorful mosaics. The mosaics are made up of broken pieces of ceramic and glass, which were carefully arranged to create intricate designs and patterns.

Another unique feature of the Austria Gardens is the use of sculptures and statues. Gaudí was known for his use of sculptural elements in his designs, and the Austria Gardens are a perfect example of this. The gardens are filled with sculptures and statues that are both beautiful and functional, serving as benches, fountains, and other features.

The Austria Gardens offer a calm, verdant area in contrast to the more architectural parts of Park Güell. The gardens also serve as an excellent vantage point for appreciating some of Gaudí’s nearby creations, such as the Pavilion of the Porter’s Lodge and the Drac staircase, from a different perspective. 

Park Güell viaducts

Three Viaducts of the Austria Gardens in Park Güell

The Three Viaducts in the Austria Gardens at Park Güell are a testament to Antoni Gaudí’s innovative approach to integrating architecture with nature.

These viaducts, known as the Lower, Middle, and Upper Viaducts, were designed to blend seamlessly into the park’s natural landscape, providing both practical pathways and aesthetic elements.

Made from local stone, they showcase Gaudí’s signature organic style, with curves and arches that resemble natural formations. The viaducts allow visitors to explore the park on multiple levels while enjoying stunning views of the surrounding area. They also serve as shaded walkways, offering a cool, tranquil escape within the park.

History of the Austria gardens in Barcelona

The Austria Gardens were created in the early 1900s by Antoni Gaudí, a renowned architect and designer. The gardens were originally intended to be part of a larger housing development project that Gaudí was working on for Eusebi Güell, a wealthy industrialist. However, the project was never completed, and the gardens remained a standalone feature of the park.

Gaudí was inspired by the natural surroundings of the park and used local materials to create the gardens. He incorporated elements of the landscape, such as boulders and rock formations, into the design of the gardens. Gaudí also paid close attention to the flow of water throughout the gardens, creating several fountains and water features that are still in use today.

In conclusion, the Austria Gardens are a fascinating part of Park Güell and are worth exploring for anyone interested in architecture, design, or history. The gardens are a testament to Antoni Gaudí’s unique style and vision, and their unique features make them a must-see attraction in Barcelona. 

The future of the Austria Gardens is bright, as there are plans to continue preserving and enhancing this unique part of Park Güell. The gardens are an important part of Barcelona’s cultural heritage, and efforts are being made to ensure that they are preserved for future generations to enjoy.

Tickets to see the Park Güell

Frequently asked questions about the Austria Gardens

The Austria Gardens are a peaceful area within Park Güell, featuring lush greenery and native Mediterranean plants. They were initially planned for housing but were later converted into a public garden.

They were named “Austria Gardens” after a donation of trees from Austria in the mid-20th century, which were planted in this section of the park.

The gardens showcase a variety of Mediterranean plants and trees, with a picturesque setting and views of Park Güell’s architecture, including the famous viaducts designed by Antoni Gaudí.

Although not designed directly by Gaudí, the Austria Gardens follow his organic approach to landscape integration, blending natural elements with architectural structures like the viaducts.

The viaducts are an important feature of the Austria Gardens, showcasing Gaudí’s signature use of organic forms and materials, blending perfectly into the natural landscape while serving as pathways for visitors.

Other things to do in Barcelona