Barcelona’s Park Güell offers an outdoor variety of the many fluid forms of Antoni Gaudí. At Park Güell, architecture melds with the environment with round, organic shapes. You can’t visit Barcelona without a trip to this important world heritage site.
Our guide will cover the history of the park, featured elements, and pro-tips for your visit.
History
Park Güell was originally intended as a housing development by the park’s namesake, Count Eusebi Güell. The work was completed in 1914 after breaking ground at the turn of the century. The park was opened to the public in 1926, offering a natural refuge from the industry-heavy city. Gaudí lived in a house on the premise (now a museum) for 20 years with his father and family. Today, Park Güell is a designated UNESCO world heritage site.
[Visit these 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Barcelona]
Featured elements
Porter’s Lodge Pavilions - The buildings originally used for the grounds’ reception offices and the gatekeeper’s residence look like something from a children’s storybook. Located at the main entrance on the southern side of the park, the Porter’s Lodge Pavilions are the most-photographed element of the park.
Gaudí House Museum - Gaudí’s House Museum is housed inside the late artist’s home, in which he resided from 1906 to 1926. The museum exhibits a more intimate side of the artist, with personal belongings and furniture designs. Admission to the museum is not included with park entry.
El Drac - Located above a fountain at the entrance of the park, the smiling “el drac” is a photo-favorite among visitors. Keep an eye out for this mosaic creature as you make your way up the Dragon Stairway.
Portico of the Washerwoman - Gaudí’s slanting viaducts meld seamlessly with the environment and offer a vertigo-inducing walkway. See if you can spot the washerwoman in one of the many columns – she’s smartly camouflaged into a supporting buttress.
Visit
Pro-tip: Purchase tickets online ahead of time to ensure entry at your desired time. If you buy a ticket outside of the park, chances are that the entry time may be significantly later than your arrival. Other parts of the park offer free admission, but none of the Monumental Core areas are included.
We recommend you opt for a 50-minute guided tour, available in different languages. Groups max out at 25 and you’ll have a better understanding of the park. You can also download the park’s free app for walking routes and maps.
The park is open year round with hours depending on the season. Check hours ahead of time.
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