Barcelona may not have a Disneyland, but it certainly has a magical park to call its own - Gaudí's Parc Güell.
Antoni Gaudí was born in Reus, Spain in 1852. He studied at Barcelona's School of Architecture and went on to become the world's most famous exponent of Catalan modernist architecture, a branch of the Art Nouveau movement. He shunned what lesser others considered "normal" and "conventional"; instead of hiding parts of the natural structure of a building, he would bring them to the fore. He harnessed the complex geometries of nature and mathematical ideas in his ingenious designs, although he received no formal mathematical training. He completed many astoundingly creative works of art before his tragic death in 1926.
Parc Güell sits atop the Montana Pelada towards the north of Barcelona. Once you get off the Metro at Vallcarca (L3 Green), be prepared for a bit of a trek up to the park! A visit is worth every step, and if you're lucky, the escalators up the hill will be working... Gaudí was commissioned to design the park, which was built between 1900 and 1914. It was originally meant to be a housing site, but proved to be commercially unsuccessful, and was given to the city as a public park in 1923. As a result, entrance is free!
It's not difficult to work out why Parc Güell was commercially unsuccessful as an aristocratic suburb. A landscaped garden city in the Expressionist style, you feel as though you've stumbled into the fairytale land of Hansel and Gretel - hardly what affluent Spaniards were looking for in those days!
Around the open air theatre in the centre of the park are the famous undulating serpentine benches, covered with spectacular mosaic tiles. It's an opportunity for a photo fest, as they're thoroughly unique, organic, curvy and comfortable! During my visit, a wedding took place there - a fantastically memorable location, I must admit!
Have a break at the café above the theatre with a tasty bocadillo and sangría, then take your time in exploring the rest of the park. Admire the multi-coloured mosaic fountains and dragon, the mysterious marketplace with 100 classical Doric columns. Hidden away to the side is a rocky outpost with enchanting stalactite vaulting and colonnade. Gaudí's house (Casa Museu Gaudí), where he lived during the park's construction, is also on display.
Owing to its geographical position, Parc Güell offers a panoramic view over the whole of Barcelona. On a clear day, it is possible to see all the way to Port Vell or the Sagrada Família, Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece. Therefore, time for a reminder: bring plenty of film!
The weather will play a large part in determining whether you enjoy your visit to Parc Güell. Being a park, the majority of it is exposed to the elements (duh!), and a flash flood is guaranteed not brighten up your experience. The park is not overly grassy and can get dusty in windy conditions. Furthermore, it's preferable to visit in the morning to avoid the baking (and burning!) heat of the afternoon.
Parc Güell is where Gaudí turned his talented hand to landscaping and is an essential part of any visit to Barcelona.
NB. This is the 2nd instalment of my BS series. For the introduction, please kindly turn to "BS Uno - The Odyssey Begins"; general information on Barcelona is scattered throughout the series. Thanks for reading!
PS The Ciao management has informed me that none of my travel ops may be considered for the latest competition, because I'm not old enough :( It's very disappointing, but I'm enjoying this series so much that I might as well complete it!
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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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