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Top attraction in Barcelona
Enjoy art and nature at Park Güell, an oasis of color and design in the city.
Barcelona, a city brimming with architectural wonders, is home to one of Antoni Gaudí’s most enchanting creations: Park Güell. This iconic park, perched on Carmel Hill, offers a whimsical escape filled with vibrant colors, intricate designs, and breathtaking views of the city.
While many visitors are captivated by its beauty, few are aware of the fascinating stories and details behind its creation. Discover the most amazing facts about Park Güell, revealing the genius of Gaudí and the rich history of this remarkable landmark.
Park Güell was initially conceived as a housing project called “Eusebi Güell’s Garden City.” In the early 20th century, Eusebi Güell, commissioned Gaudí to design a residential complex inspired by the English garden city movement. The plan included 60 triangular plots for luxury homes, communal spaces, and lush gardens. However, the project was not commercially successful, and only two houses were built. The land was eventually turned into a public park in 1926.
What is an interesting fact about Park Güell? One of the two houses built in Park Güell was designed by Gaudí’s assistant, Francesc Berenguer, and it became Gaudí’s residence from 1906 to 1926. Known as the Gaudí House Museum, this building now serves as a museum dedicated to the architect’s life and work. Visitors can explore Gaudí’s personal belongings, furniture, and drawings, gaining insight into his creative mind and personal life.
One of the most famous features of Park Güell is the Dragon Stairway, also known as the Salamander or “El Drac”. This mosaic-covered lizard, located at the entrance, has become a symbol of the park and Gaudí’s playful style. The dragon is adorned with trencadís, a technique using broken ceramic tiles to create colorful patterns. The stairway leads to the Hypostyle Room, a grand hall supported by 86 Doric columns.
The Hypostyle Room, or Hall of a Hundred Columns, is an architectural marvel. Originally intended as a market for the housing development, it features 86 fluted columns that support the weight of the terrace above. The hall’s design also incorporates a sophisticated drainage system, with rainwater collected on the terrace above and channeled through the columns to an underground reservoir.
The serpentine bench that curves around the Nature Square, also known as the Greek Theatre, is both functional and beautiful. Gaudí designed the bench to be ergonomic, ensuring comfort for those seated. The bench is covered in vibrant trencadís mosaics, creating a stunning visual effect. The square itself was intended for public events and offers panoramic views of Barcelona, including a clear sightline to the Sagrada Familia.
Gaudí was heavily influenced by nature, and this is evident throughout Park Güell. The park’s structures mimic organic forms, such as the colonnaded footpaths that resemble tree trunks and the viaducts that blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. Gaudí’s integration of natural elements and his innovative use of materials and forms reflect his deep respect for the environment and his desire to create harmony between architecture and nature.
At the main entrance of Park Güell, visitors are greeted by two whimsical pavilion buildings. These structures, with their fairy-tale appearance, showcase Gaudí’s unique architectural style. The pavilions were intended to serve as the caretaker’s house and a waiting room for visitors. Their roofs are adorned with vibrant ceramic tiles, and the walls feature intricate stonework, embodying Gaudí’s imaginative.
Park Güell is much more than a beautiful park; it is a testament to Antoni Gaudí’s visionary genius and his innovative approach to architecture. From its origins as a failed housing project to its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the park is filled with fascinating stories and remarkable details.
Whether it’s the ergonomic serpentine bench, the iconic Dragon Stairway, or the ingenious design of the Hypostyle Room, each element of Park Güell showcases Gaudí’s creativity and his profound connection with nature. A visit to this magical place is not just an exploration of Gaudí’s work, but a journey into the heart of Barcelona’s cultural and architectural heritage.
Combo: Park Güell and Sagrada Familia
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