Park Güell is Gaudí at his most playful. The businessman Eusebi Güell commissioned it as a garden city for wealthy families on a hill above Barcelona. Work went on from 1900 to 1914, but only two houses were ever built, and the estate became a public park in 1926. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1984.
The Monumental Zone
The most famous part of the park needs a timed ticket:
- The dragon staircase, guarded by the colourful mosaic salamander, the symbol of the park.
- The Hypostyle Room, a forest of columns that was meant to be the estate’s market.
- The Nature Square, a large terrace edged by the long, wavy mosaic bench, with views over the city to the sea.
- The two fairy-tale gatehouse pavilions at the entrance.
Beyond the Monumental Zone
The rest of the park – shady paths, viaducts of rough stone and viewpoints – is perfect for a walk. The pink Gaudí House Museum, where the architect lived for almost twenty years, is in the park too, with its own ticket.
Tips
- Book your time slot online, and arrive on time: late entry may not be allowed.
- Go early or late for softer light and fewer people.
- The park is on a steep hill: take bus or metro and save your legs, or use the outdoor escalators on the Vallcarca side.
- Bring water and a hat in summer – there is little shade on the terrace.
