Discover the Artistic Wonders of Park Güell, a Must-Visit Attraction in Barcelona

Barcelona, Spain is one of the most magical and exciting European cities in the world, which explains why Barcelona tourism is booming, with the second largest city in Spain attracting visitors from all corners of the world throughout the year. Among Barcelona's many amazing highlights that keep visitors coming year after year – and boost Barcelona tourism numbers -- is the city's lovely and relatively mild Mediterranean climate. The Southern Spain city is perched right on the sea shore, and found within the city limits is a modern and bustling metropolis with an incredible and storied history. 

Visitors to Barcelona, Spain will love many things about their Barcelona trip, among which will most definitely be the different cultural influences found in one metropolitan locale. To put it simply, Barcelona, Spain is one Catalan city that the metaphor “melting pot of magic” would perfectly encapsulate. This metaphor is clearly seen via the wide variety of cultural influences that fill Barcelona, evidenced in its delicious Catalan cuisine, its eclectic and inspired architecture spanning numerous eras and styles, and much, much, more. 

From historical landmarks galore — some of which are official UNESCO heritage sites — to wondrous religious sites, such as the Cathedral and Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain will surely surpass even your highest expectations. Among the many reasons Barcelona travel should be on your bucket list this year includes its wide array of attractions, of which a vast majority can be attributed to the artistic acumen and visionary genius of Antoni Gaudi. Gaudi created several Barcelona architectural gems that always top Barcelona travel bucket lists, such as Gaudi's Casa Mila and Casa Batllo, but perhaps the most exciting and whimsical creation Gaudi is credited for is the natural, outdoor wonderland that is Park Güell. Not only is Park Guell beautiful to behold, but it also has an interesting history, including many fun and unknown facts. Ready to learn more? Here's all you need to know about Gaudi's gorgeous and whimsical wonderland, Park Guell. 

Park Güell in Barcelona, Spain: An Outdoor Wonderland Showcasing Gaudi's Whimsical Side 

For outdoor lovers who also adore artwork stopping by Park Guell during your Barcelona trip during your Spain vacation is an absolute must. About as close to a real-life Neverland as you can find on this Earth, Park Guell is a world-famous outdoor nature Park filled with stunning and whimsical sculptures, gorgeous gardens, and sprawling, stylized grounds. 

While you visit Park Guell during your Barcelona sightseeing adventures, be sure to look for the highlights:  mosaic tile-covered animal-shaped art sculptures, porticos slightly askew (did you know Gaudi is said to have abhorred harsh angles of any sort? but more on that later), and so many more magical features and exclamation points. There is even an onsite museum – the Gaudi House Museum - located inside the Park that is definitely worth checking out. Before we dive into even more details about everything you should know about Park Guell in Barcelona, Spain, let's first set the stage a bit by diving into the Park's interesting history.

Interesting History of Park Guell in Barcelona, Spain

Park Guell may now be one of the world's most famous and beloved public Parks, but it actually wasn't intended to be a Park at all. In fact, the original aim of Antoni Gaudi in the creation of Park Guell was to fulfill the desire of a high-profile client, Eusebi Guell. Guell had the vision to build an ultra-modern (for the time) housing development, complete with an impressive array of modern facilities, such as running water and heating, aimed for only the most elite of Barcelona. Simply put: The vision was lofty and exciting, and it was soon-to-be THE place to live in Barcelona, Spain. 

Long story short, after being granted a permit, the vision was to build 60 plots – all of which would be connected by beautiful paths, outdoor staircases, and even aesthetically pleasing and functional viaducts. It was a complex and intricate design, which explains why – although initiated with such high hopes – the project ultimately failed to find a sufficient amount of investors to move forward to completion. After all, was said and done, Gaudi had to call it quits on the initial plans of the project when Guell himself passed away in 1914. Twelve years passed until finally, in 1926, the City of Barcelona decided to take matters into its own hands and purchased the abandoned property. Thanks to this salvation of sorts, Park Guell was reborn, now made into a public Park open for all inhabitants and visitors of Barcelona to enjoy, regardless of their bank account or social status. 

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Park Guell in Barcelona, Spain: An Artistic and Awe-Inspiring Showcase of Gaudi's Genius

Step just one foot inside Gaudi's Park Guell and you will immediately see that Gaudi held nothing back in its creation, instead allowing his wide – and wild – imagination to run free. From vibrant colors to magical mosaic tiles, and sculptures and gardens that will take your breath away, everything about Park Guell invites the visitor to unleash the inner child and artist within and be swept away into a fantasyland of fairytale beauty and wonder. 

So, what exactly can you expect to see as you make your way through this enchanting place on the outskirts of Barcelona, Spain? It is said that Gaudi drew his inspiration for Park Guell from nature itself, which explains the no harsh/straight lines rule of thumb that is adhered to throughout the grounds. Instead, everything from archways to colonnades, and even the benches and fountains in the Park, are curved and formed as if they sprouted from the ground itself. A somewhat hilarious anecdote, speaking of curves: Gaudi was said to have even been so committed to every finite detail that he convinced a workman to actually drop his knickers and have a seat in the still-wet plaster in order to ensure the iconic stone bench in Park Guell had the perfect – and anatomically correct – shape for future sitters! Suffice to say: Park Guell is a proverbial playground for the imagination – a place where the mind is free to wander and wonder! 

And speaking of imagination and inspiration, it was here at Park Guell in Barcelona, Spain that Gaudi first introduced what is now among his best-known trademarks, what is known as his trencadís technique. The technique was aptly named, as trencadís in Catalan is translated as “chopped”, and the interesting technique literally involves taking chopped pieces of ceramics (Gaudi was known to use vibrant, multicolored arrays) and then cementing them back together in a glorious rainbow mosaic-type design. An iconic and quite certainly the most popular example of this technique utilized in Park Guell is the trencadís salamander (you'll recognize it instantly when you see it!). 

Park Guell in Barcelona, Spain: Once Gaudi's Home 

Few travelers to Barcelona, Spain who visit Park Guell realize that Gaudi himself actually lived onsite during a period of his life, from 1906 until his untimely death in1926, when he was hit by a tram while taking his daily morning walk. The actual house where Gaudi resided with his father and his niece is now the Gaudi House Museum (Casa Museu Gaudí), which has been open to the public to visit during their Barcelona holiday since 1963.

Ticket Information and How to Get to Park Guell in Barcelona, Spain

You may have already heard that you need to purchase a ticket for entrance into Park Guell in Barcelona, Spain, which is true. But what many travelers may not realize is that the vast majority of Park Guell is open to the public free of charge. In fact, the only section of Park Guell you need to purchase a ticket to access is the area with all the most famous monuments, including the main entrance with the iconic dragon sculpture, the famed Park Guell bench, and the magnificent Park Guell market hall. 

For those who desire to visit this section, it is advised that you book online beforehand or go through a tour operator, as only a limited number of visitors (4oo total) are permitted entrance per half hour. There is a ticket office onsite where you can purchase entrance, but again, you are taking your chances they may sell out, or that you may end up waiting quite some time until a time slot with an opening becomes available.

How To Get to Park Güell in Barcelona, Spain

Now that we have explained how wonderful and whimsical Park Guell is, you will understand why it is such a top Barcelona attraction and among the Barcelona highlights that boost Barcelona tourism numbers so high each year. You will also most certainly want to see this spectacular sight with your own eyes and be swept up in the rainbow array of wonder. 

The good news is that once you arrive in Barcelona (our expert team at Portugal Getaways can help make that happen with stress-free ease), it is quite simple to reach Park Guell. The simplest route is to take Barcelona line L3 to the Lesseps station, then follow signs for Park Guell on foot, which will only take you a mere 10-15 minutes. If all else fails and you happen to get turned around, Park Guell is such a renowned site in Barcelona, chances are if you ask anyone, they can point you in the right direction!

Get Ready for an Unforgettable Experience at Park Guell and Barcelona

Now that you have all the info on Park Guell – even the exact direction to this top Barcelona attraction – why waste another minute before seeing it for yourself?! Now is the time to make your magical Barcelona, Spain adventure to Park Guell, and beyond, happen, with the help of our expert team at Portugal Getaways. We're waiting to help you find the most amazing travel deals to Barcelona, Spain, so you can be sure your Spanish vacation is everything you've dreamed of and more.

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