If you are going to be visiting Barcelona then you must plan a trip to Park Güell. This park with stunning views over Barcelona towards the sea was the creation of Gaudi who wanted to create a self contained area for both the wealthy aristocrats of the area to enjoy as well as the general public. The original plans he had for the park were rather radical for their day and many of them did not take off so in 1922 the Güell family gave the park to the city of Barcelona.
Park Güell (Gaudi's park in Barcelona)
Now everyone can enjoy this magical place, and it truly is magical. In the past visitors had been treated to two life size mechanical gazelles although sadly these no longer exist as they were destroyed during the civil war. There are however two gatehouses that remain whose design was based on the opera Hansel and Gretel. Look out for the red and white mushroom roof. You should also make sure you walk up the incredible staircase that is surrounded by multi-coloured battlements and spend a moment looking at the mosaic lizard sculpture too that has become something of an iconic image. In the area that would once have been the main market place of the park there are 100 pillars that hold up a roof, like something straight out of ancient Egypt. There is a stunning esplanade on top that was created using a technique called “trencadis.” Make sure you take a moment it study it closely.
The park is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and makes for a fantastic day out for kids and adults. Look out for the twisted stone columns and the large cross in place at it peak. Don’t forget your camera as you’ll need it for the park itself and the panoramic view it provides over the city.
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