Thread: Parc Guell with Great Views of Barcelona

Decorative Park Designed by Antoni Gaudi - Parc Guell
By Linda Garrison, About.com Guide

Parc Guell is about 3 miles inland from the cruise ship port in Barcelona, but is well worth the taxi, subway, or hop-on, hop-off (HOHO) bus ride. The walk from the subway or HOHO bus stop is a few blocks uphill, so those with walking problems should take a taxi.

Industrialist Eusebi Guell, one of Antoni Gaudi's patrons, bought the 50-acre tree-covered hillside in 1900 and commissioned Gaudi to build a garden city of 60 houses, decorative buildings, and landscaped gardens. The project was never completed as originally designed, but this magical garden built between 1910 and 1914 is a beautiful place. It demonstrates Gaudi's outdoor designs, and the colorful mosaics and sculptures fit in well with the natural surroundings.

The Sala Hipostila, or Room of a Hundred Columns, sits near the entrance. Only 84 (not 100) crooked columns support the roof. The stairs lead to a large open space bordered by a 500-foot mosaic bench designed by Josep Jujol. The views of Barcelona are worth the climb.



Barcelona View from Parc Guell

Click here to see the 18 pictures --> Enter Gallery

I love Parc Guell! Such a lovely atmosphere there particularly on a Sunday when big spanish families are there chatting away with the children. I wonder if the weird street performer guy is still there. There used to be a creepy street performer in a black and white suit and where his head should be is completely empty and there is just a pair of glasses in the gap! Its very freaky indeed!