If I had to name something that I thought would make cities more appealing to tourists, up until I visited Gaudi's Parc Guell last summer a large mosaic Salamander would not have been one of my first choices. I have since learnt better.
To visit Barcelona and not see some of the work of Antonio Gaudi would not only be poor judgement but damn near impossible. Examples of the fantastic and often eccentric architecture positively cover the city and nearly all are worth a look (particularly the 'Sagrada Familia'- a madcap, unfinished cathedral). As breathtaking as the Sagrada Familia is however, Parc Guell is for me just a little more special.
The walk from the metro to the park alone was enough to take my breath away, but that was mainly because its all up hill and summers in Barcelona tend to be a trifle stifling! A word to the wise here is to plan ahead. Unless money is no object on your trip, don't rely on the cafes and shops in and around Parc Guell to satisfy your thirst or hunger as these all tend to charge special tourist prices. Although Parc Guell itself is free to enter- a plus in any backpacker's book.
Anyway, I'm taking a long time to get to the point, so a quick history lesson. Eusebi Guell commissioned Antoni Gaudi to design Parc Guell as part of a housing development. The housing side of this project didn't take off and so in 1923 the land was given to the City of Barcelona as a permanent park.
Although the usual park malarkey of trees etc are to be found in abundance, the first thing that greets the eye on entering is a magnificent staircase climbing up above a Greek theatre. This is where the mosaic salamander fits in. The staircase and the pavilion it leads up to is guarded by one of Gaudi's more colourful creations which, for reasons that escape me, is THE place to have your photograph taken. From the pavilion stretches out a fantastic view of the city below and is one of the many places in the park where I'd strongly recommend to stop and savour the surroundings.
On the day of my visit a string quartet were playing in the grounds and there were plenty of places to sit relatively away from the tourists where the sound of the music would still carry. Resting in the shade out of the heat and away from the hustle of the city I wanted to stay for ever. Parc Guell is the perfect haven from the storm for anyone in need of break from some intensive sight seeing and was one of the highlights of my visit to Barcelona. I can't wait to go back and you should go tomorrow. If you do though I bet you end up with a photo of a certain brightly coloured reptile.
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Advantages: Wonderful architecture, galleries and parks, superb romantic atmosphere, great for shopping Disadvantages: Aged quarters can feel a bit grotty, but that is natural and part of their charm. More expensive than nearby localities, but then cities always are.
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