One of the days during Maja’s visit, we hopped a local bus and rode to Park Güell, a beautiful public park designed by Antoni Gaudí. I had seen photos on social media and they looked beautiful but it was even more gorgeous in real life. Adorned with palm trees, beautiful flowers and scenic walking trails, the park has stunning views of the city and the Balearic Sea (part of the Mediterranean).
The park was envisioned to be an upscale gated community commissioned by Eusebi Güel, a Spanish entrepreneur, but only two houses were built and it was eventually turned into a public park.
I felt like I was walking into a world that was a cross between Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory and The Flinstones. It was so so beautiful and fun…and completely bizarre at the same time.
Gaudí lived in one of the houses from 1906 to 1925.
In 1984 the park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Below are a few fun facts I found on the internet that describe the intentions behind the art and architecture.
Colorful Mosaic Work: The park is famous for its vibrant mosaics, especially the “el drac” (the dragon) or salamander at the entrance staircase, made from trencadís (broken ceramic tiles) — a Gaudí signature technique.
Inspired by Nature: Gaudí was deeply inspired by natural forms. The columns in the park resemble tree trunks, and many pathways mimic caves or waves.
Ingenious Water System: The park has an advanced rainwater collection system. Rainwater is gathered from the plaza and stored in an underground cistern, which helps irrigate the gardens and supplies the dragon fountain.
Hypostyle Hall: This “Hall of a Hundred Columns” actually has 86 columns and was intended to be a market for the residential estate.
Panoramic Views: The main terrace, lined with a colorful serpentine bench, offers sweeping views of Barcelona all the way to the Mediterranean Sea.
Despite all the people, it was pretty relaxed. The sun felt amazing on my face and we sat on the mosaic benches and soaked in the views.
The Salamander (El Drac): The iconic mosaic salamander at the entrance is often mistaken for a dragon — a nod to Catalan folklore and possibly a reference to the dragon slain by Saint George (Catalonia’s patron saint). It’s one of the most photographed spots in Barcelona.
Just a few days prior to Pope Francis’s passing, he and the Vatican announced they would be starting the process to put Antoni Gaudí on the path to sainthood.
You can read more about it, here.
Another amazing day in beautiful Barcelona. 🇪🇸
Good Things List
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Amazing architecture
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Beautiful public spaces for all to enjoy
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Sunshine on my face
Much love & gratitude. Namaste 🙏
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