Park Güell

Last weekend the weather was amazing so a few friends and I decided to go to Barcelona and visit Park Güell. It was the most amazing park that I've ever seen.

Park Güell was originally supposed to be the sight for a housing district because was away from the smoky factories in the city. It was largely unsuccessful and the designer, Eusebi Güell, only had two houses built, one of which was put up for sale. No buyers came forward, except Antoni Gaudí, who bought the house in 1906. He then took over work on the park. He owned the house until 1926, the year of his death. However, in 1926 he moved into his La Sagrada Familia.

The very long, steep and tiring hill that we had to climb up. Thank goodness for escalators.

Gates of Park Güell. There was a stone wall surrounding the front of Park Güell and it alternated between saying "Park" and "Güell" (as shown below). They were all done in mosaic tile - Gaudí style.

This is a picture from the from gates of Park Güell.

These columns support a seating area above and as you will see in further pictures, have mosaic tiles all on the roof. In some areas of the ceiling, you can see Gaudí designs. Two of his designs are in the following picture.

I actually bought a key chain when I was in a museum my first week here of this design. I had no idea it was Gaudí but it's kind of nice to actually know where it came from!

This is a picture of what is now the gift shop. I'm not sure what it used to be before that.

The famous dragon that Gaudí designed that sits at the entrance to the park. In February, 2007, a group of youths vandalized the dragon, bashing the head with a metal pipe. Good to see that it's been fixed up since. However, I was quite upset that some lady was trying to climb on the thing while I was taking a picture though. That's the one problem with this place. It's such a tourist attraction that you're never going to be able to get a picture without a person in it.

The columns that support the seating area of above.


The gardens where people can sit and relax. There are a few restaurants and cafes around the Park. People like to sit, eat and relax in the sun.

A close up of the mosaic tiles on the benches.


The mosaic tile benches on top of the pillars.

Gaudí's house that he lived in. It's now a museum where you can see some of his original furniture designs. Haven't been in yet but I will.

The big open area of the benches. Lots of vendors selling paintings, drawings, jewellery, sunglasses, etc. for really cheap.

The front street of the Park.
The Mediterranean Sea on the way to Park Güell.

In the palm trees that were all over Park Güell, you can see parrots!

The paths lined with palm trees.

And I had to include this picture because it was the most delicious meal I think I have ever had! A few of us went to Park Güell Restaurant after walking around and had paella and sangria on the patio in the sun. It was an amazing afternoon! Paella is my new favorite food!

If you ever get a chance to travel to Barcelona, I highly recommend seeing Park Güell. It is amazing!

Until next time...