Combining our love of tropical plants and the architecture of Antoni Gaudí, is the quirky Park Güell. The original concept was that of a garden village, a landscaped garden that would house numerous homes and villas. However despite the best intentions and magnificent views away from the more polluted city the scheme failed. In fact only two homes were ever built and neither of these was designed by Gaudí. However Gaudí did move into one of these homes and it now houses a museum.
The Gaudi Museum building was designed by Francesc Berenguer
Two buildings he did design, however, are the gate lodge and a caretakers property, these are open to the public, although are very modest and internally at least show little of the flair or imagination Gaudí used in Casa Battlo we had visited earlier in the week.The exterior of these two buildings do show off typical Gaudí details, with curved organic walls and chimneys, covered in ceramic tile.
Toadstools or chimneys? The influence from the natural world are clear to see.
From the gatehouse you climb a fantasy staircase covered in more mosaics.
Part way up the staircase is a giant multicolored mosaic salamander, popularly known as "el drac" (the dragon). You do see this motif a lot in the souvenir shops around Barcelona - we resisted taking one home!
The stairs lead to a large undercroft area, that supports a big open space above. This area reminded me of some of the ancient Egyptian temples I have seen on TV, whether that impression was the intention of Gaudí I do not know but its an impressive, if somewhat underused space.
Supported by all those columns is a large terrace, enclosed by mosaic covered seating, the patterns in the mosaics repeat and dance with the undulating form of the seating adding an extra visual delight.
From the terrace you get stunning views out across the city, and can really appreciate how massive the Sagrada Familia actually is, rising above all the housing and office blocks in its area.
Throughout the park and taking advantage of the natural topography, roadways jut out from the mountain on pillars and columns, all with a surreal organic feel, despite being built out of rock.
Gaz
