Author: Gill Morris

If you are a fan of Gaudi, or not, you should visit Park Guell if you go to Barcelona. It (probably) won’t be like anything you’ve seen before.

A collaboration between entrepreneur, Eusebi Guell, and architect, Antoni Gaudi, saw the creation of Park Guell in 1900. Gaudi wanted Park Guell to be a private estate for rich families, but out of the 60 plots available only 1 was bought, so that idea was abandoned. Guell and Gaudi both lived in the park during the early 20th century and it was opened as a public park in 1926 (www.parkguell.barcelona/en).

Park Guell is a lovely green space, situated on a hill which means it has different levels, and it also has outstanding views over Barcelona and the sea.

I walked from the city to Park Guell and the first thing I saw was the entrance and 2 interesting looking buildings which form the Porter’s Lodge. I think they look like they belong in a fantastical land. Their roofs are mosaiked with ceramic tiles – you’ll see a lot of that in the park.

From the porter’s lodge, you will see the Dragon Stairway.

On either side of the stairway, two tiled walls curve outwards. They are topped with decoratively tiled parapets with a grotto under the one on the right-hand side.

Moving up the stairway, there is a bed of green plants with the stairs on either side.

Further up, another of Gaudi’s creations in the form of a snake’s head bursting forth from the Catalan flag.

Then, a colourful dragon (El Drac), beautifully decorated with trencadis tiles which are a typical Gaudi feature.

At the top of the stairway is the impressive Hypostyle Room with its Doric columns supporting the ceiling.

There are beautiful mosaics on the ceiling.

And, you can sit on a mosaiked bench which runs around the roof for views across the park and city.

The roof of the Hypostyle Room also forms part of the Greek Theatre area.

Gaudi planned for this area to be used for open-air shows but, these days, it’s a good spot to rest for a few minutes. (Parkguell.Barcelona/en).

The bench goes all the way around this open space. Gaudi used a curved design, so it would compliment the natural setting of the park.

The Laundry Room Portico is a fine example of Gaudi’s architecture – the stone work on the columns was cleverly designed to resemble tree trunks.

To connect the different areas of the park, there is a system of roadways, paths and viaducts, again created in a way to mingle man-made structures with natural forms.

Last, but not least, are the Austria Gardens, so named because the different varieties of plants, shrubs and trees were donated from Austria in 1977 (Official website for Park Guell).

I am happy I spent the day wandering around Park Guell – it’s not that big, but it is a true sight to see.

Barcelona is a fabulous city to explore. While you might be drawn to the more famous attractions – think Gaudi and La Rambla – there are plenty of other things to see. But, keep your eyes peeled, if you’re not necessarily seeking other things out, you might miss them – and that would be a shame!

As I explored this lovely city, I found these interesting statues and sculptures.

Along the road from my hotel is the Fountain of Catalan Genius (Font del Geni Català) dedicated to Francisco Bernaldo de Quirós y Mariño de Lobera, three times Captain General of Catalonia, for having brought the waters of the Moncada mountain range to the city (Wikipedia).

In Parc de la Cuitadella, you’ll see the monument of General Prim – a Spanish general and statesman – (BarcelonaLowDown).

Along Passeig de Sant Joan, I came across this memorial to Lluís Companys, president of Catalonia in 1934 and during the Spanish Civil War. The lady is his friend, Conxita Julià.

Keep walking and you will come across Placa de Tetuan and the monument to doctor and politician – Bartomeu Robert Yarzábal (Doctor Robert) (BarcelonaLowDown).

Further along Passeig de Sant Joan, you will come to Plaça de Mossèn and the monument of Jacint Verdaguer – a 19th century Catalan / Spanish writer, regarded as one of the greatest poets of Catalan literature (Wikipedia).

In the Gothic Quarter, these two interesting metal sculptures caught my eye.

Head to Placa de Catalunya to see the Franscesc Macia monument – Franscesc Macia was a Spanish politician from Catalonia who served as the 122nd president of the Generalitat of Catalonia, and formerly an officer in the Spanish Army (Wikipedia).

Some of the statues here were erected as part of the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition.

Before you even get to the end of La Rambla, you will see the monument to Christopher Columbus. It was constructed for the Exposición Universal de Barcelona (1888) to commemorate Columbus’ first voyage to the Americas (Wikipedia).

Last but not least, I saw this seafaring statue at Port Vell. It’s a monument to sportspeople of the sea by Joaquim Ros i Sabaté which depicts a yacht at sea (BarcelonaLowDown).

My walk pretty much took me in a circle back to my hotel, but just go where your feet take you and see what you find!

I had a grand day exploring all that Barcelona has to offer and there is more to come! Peace and love to all 🙂

As you explore the wonderful city of Barcelona, no doubt you will have heard of Parc de la Ciutadella or Citadel Park. If not, you are sure to stumble across it as you wander.

As I was en route back to my hotel after a long day sightseeing, I only skirted the outskirts of this lovely park, but I liked what I saw and when I get back to Barcelona, I will take more time to explore it.

The wide promenade of Passeig de Lluís Companys is where the Superior Court of Justice of Catalonia is located.

At the north-western end of the promenade, you’ll find the Arc de Triomf – a spectacular archway which was the main access to the 1888 Barcelona World Fair. The words Barcelona rep les nacions (“Barcelona welcomes the nations”) is sculpted on the top (Wikipedia).

There are other impressive buildings (if you like that sort of thing) such as the castle-shaped Castle of the Three Dragons, built for use as an exhibition space for the 1888 World Fair (Wikipedia).

There is also a tropical garden, created by architect Josep Fontsére.

And , of course, you’ll also find lots of people enjoying the park. Some relaxing or exercising or, like you, exploring.

If you get to Barcelona anytime soon, head to Parc de la Cuitadella for a peaceful couple of hours. I’ll be doing exactly that!