Park Güell

We found ourselves wandering through Park Güell on a sunny spring morning, the kind of day that makes Barcelona feel like a dream. All our followers know that we like to visit gardens, and hence Park Guell was added to the list.

The mosaic-covered benches shimmered in the soft light, and the scent of jasmine drifted through the air as we climbed past Gaudí’s whimsical architecture. Every corner revealed something unexpected — a lizard-shaped fountain, a forest of stone columns, or a view of the city stretching toward the sea. 

Originally conceived as a luxury housing development in the early 1900s, Park Güell evolved into a public park and artistic masterpiece. Located on the southern slope of Turó del Carmel in the Gràcia district, it showcases Gaudí’s signature style: organic shapes, colourful tiles, and imaginative structures that blur the line between built and natural environments. What are the highlights of this UNESCO World heritage site?

• The Serpentine Bench: A long, winding bench covered in broken ceramic tiles (trencadís), offering stunning views of the city and sea.

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• El Drac (The Dragon): A mosaic-covered salamander fountain that greets visitors at the entrance — one of the most photographed spots in Barcelona.

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• The Hypostyle Room: A forest of 86 Doric columns supporting the terrace above, originally intended as a marketplace.

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• Gaudí House Museum: Located within the park, this was Gaudí’s residence from 1906 to 1925 and now displays his personal belongings and furniture.

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• Panoramic Views: From the main terrace, you can see across Barcelona to the Mediterranean, with the Sagrada Família visible in the distance.

The highest point of the park is 182.3 meters above sea level. This rocky summit was originally intended to host a chapel as part of Gaudí’s vision for a residential garden city. When the housing project was abandoned, three stone crosses were erected instead, symbolizing Calvary — the hill where Jesus was crucified.

• Two crosses point toward the cardinal directions (north–south and east–west).
• The third cross points skyward, representing spiritual ascent.

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This trio of crosses is not only a religious symbol but also a landmark viewpoint, blending Gaudí’s architectural philosophy with natural surroundings.