Not only is Park Güell a major Barcelona landmark, but it’s one of the most iconic urban parks located anywhere in the world. Containing multiple prominent elements designed by the one and only Antoni Gaudí, Park Güell is renowned for its monumental staircase, elegant terrace, and brightly colored salamander sculpture. It also offers visitors plenty of lovely green spaces and majestic city views. Today Park Güell is divided up into two “zones”: the “Forest Zone” of the park is free to local residents, while the “Monumental Zone” is accessible to those visitors who purchase tickets to explore its various charms.
History of Park Güell
The idea for the development that would eventually become the beloved attraction Park Güell came from Eusebi Güell, a local businessman. Güell owned a significant tract of land he wished to transform into a neighborhood of luxury estates catering to Barcelona’s wealthiest residents, and he enlisted the services of legendary architect Antoni Gaudí—whose other famous Barcelona works include Sagrada Familia, La Pedrera, Casa Batlló, and Casa Vicens—in hopes of making this vision a reality. Güell today is remembered as one of Gaudí’s most notable patrons, and Park Güell is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but the real-estate project itself was not successful. Only two (of a planned 60) houses were ever built, neither of which bears Gaudí’s fingerprints.
Instead, Gaudí’s primary achievements here between the years 1900 and 1914 consist of two distinctive buildings flanking the park’s main entrance; a stylish terrace covered in mosaic tiles; the so-called Hypostyle Room, which features 86 Doric columns (it was intended to be the estate’s marketplace); and an extensive network of idyllic gardens: to this day, Park Güell carries the English spelling of “park” because Güell wanted the housing development broken up by an elaborate series of English-style gardens. While Park Güell opened to the public as a municipal park in 1926, portions were transitioned to a tourist attraction later in the twentieth century while other areas remain reserved for resident use only.
Park Güell Highlights
From the minute you arrive at Park Güell, you’ll discover a wide array of fantastic architectural flourishes, striking historical monuments, and iconic city landmarks. Upon entering the park from the south via Carrer d’Olot, you’ll pass Casa del Guarda: this structure was originally built as a residence for porters; today it houses a small museum devoted to telling the story of Park Güell’s creation.
Keep walking straight and you’ll immediately arrive at the park’s most famous feature: a monumental staircase adorned by a large statue of a salamander, the entirety of which is covered in brightly colored mosaic tiles. Affectionately known as “the dragon,” this unforgettable piece of public art is also by Gaudí and it’s a mandatory photo opportunity for any Barcelona visitor.
Beyond the top of the monumental staircase is Plaça de la Natura (Nature Square). Formerly known as the Greek Theatre, this site provides a series of stunning views in multiple directions. If you keep moving past this remarkable spot, you’ll encounter an expansive green space crisscrossed by walking paths and hiking trails. The actual highest point in Park Güell is known as the Hill of Three Crosses; checking in at an elevation of approximately 600 feet, it too offers visitors breathtaking views.
More to See and Do at Park Güell
Keep reading for a couple sightseeing tips and a few additional things to see and do during your time at Park Güell.
*Anyone wishing to experience Park Güell firsthand will need to make reservations (for a specific date and hour) in advance. Tickets can be purchased up to three months ahead of time, and while the booking cannot be cancelled and refunded, you can edit your reservation anytime up until one day before your scheduled visit. If you’re looking to visit the park when it is the quietest, be advised that it is typically least-busy immediately after it opens first thing in the morning.
*Conversely, many people love to visit Park Güell late enough in the day to try and watch the sun set on Barcelona from this special vantagepoint; if you’ve got flexibility in your schedule—and you’re willing to put up with crowds—experiencing the sunset from Park Güell is a dream photo opportunity.
*Park Güell has designed its very own app that you can access straight from its official website. This free service provides visitors with maps, background information, suggested itineraries, and more.
*If you want to get even more out of your visit to Park Güell, consider purchasing a ticket to go on a guided tour of the attraction. It’ll cost you more than the standard price of admission, but along the way you’ll learn a whole bunch of behind-the-scenes details and obscure facts about the park that you would otherwise likely miss. Some Barcelona tourist passes include a guided tour of Park Güell as one of their covered attractions.
*Likewise, if you have extra time in your schedule—and a bit of wiggle room in your budget—consider purchasing tickets to Casa Museu Gaudí (the Gaudí House Museum). Located within Park Güell, this historic house museum is where Gaudí lived and worked for nearly 20 years; its collection contains an assortment of the great architect’s belongings, sketches, plans, paintings, and more. Your standard Park Güell ticket doesn’t include admission to the Gaudí House Museum, but you can acquire it as an “add-on” for just a few extra euros.
Why Park Güell Should Be on Your Must-See List
Year in and year out, Park Güell is among the most popular attractions in Barcelona—and it’s not difficult to see why. One of the world’s most distinctive city parks, Park Güell is full of beautiful landscapes, scenic vantagepoints, riveting architectural details, and monuments that are absolutely must-see destinations for any first-time visitor to Barcelona. Whether you’re a long-time admirer of Gaudí’s work or his style is completely new to you, Park Güell is an essential itinerary item.
