Park Güell in Barcelona, Spain, may just be the most creative park in the world! The famed Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi’s creation consists of an over-sized sea serpent bench and a mosaic dragon fountain to greet guests (pictured above) as they enter Park Güell. Not surprisingly the park is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The entrance to Park Güell complete with a large dragon fountain to greet visitors.
Jade from Vagabond3 and I spent the morning exploring Park Güell, walking there from our ultra modern and sleek apartment hotel in Barcelona, and finishing off the morning with some tapas! Is it any wonder that I’m crushing on Barcelona?
Below the terrace offers visitors some much welcome shade on a hot day.
Visitors first reach a shady area with pillars below the terrace with interesting mosaics built into the ceiling. When you’re neck starts to cramp from staring up, it’s time to go to the actual terrace itself, the main attraction in Park Güell:
The terrace at Park Guell is one of the park's main attractions.
Combining form and function is a gigantic sea serpent bench on the terrace providing sweeping views of Barcelona and to the sea on a clear day.
The over-sized mosaic sea serpent bench combines art and functionality.
The back of the sea serpent bench is made of mosaic tiles of all different shapes and colors. I may just start saving my old broken dishes for a Gaudi inspired art project, but on a much smaller scale.
A popular to listen to local musicians who set up shop while taking in the views to the city and the sea.
Visitors make their way up the hill to this enclave where you can listen to musicians. We were there at around 10:30 and they were just starting to set up.
Pathways guide visitors through Park Gu ell.
Pathways guide visitors up to the top of the hill, where Park Güell resembles more of a traditional park with greenery. The best views are from the top of the hill:
The view from Park Güell stretches over Barcelona, all the way to the sea on a clear day. The two Gaudi houses pictured are used as administration buildings.
So what do you think? Is Park Güell the most creative park in the world, or are there are contenders out there?
Know Before You Go to Park Güell:
- Entrance to Park Güell is free
- Park Güell is a popular tourist attraction so go early to avoid the crowds
- The Gaudi House Museum is also at Park Güell, for the best deal, buy a combo ticket that also includes entrance to the Sagrada Familia Church (another very famous Gaudi design and UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Park Güell is accessible by public transportation but the nearest metro stop is ~a 20minute walk from the park and the last part is steep, if this is a concern consider going by bus or taxi
- Park Güell is normally open from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
