If you ever find yourself in Barcelona, make it a point to visit Parc Guell. It is a 20-hectare garden complex that was constructed in the early 1900's by the famous architect Antonio Gaudi. It was considered to one of his gifts to the city. It is situated on the hill of el Carmel which is part of the Gracia district in Barcelona, Spain. It provides visitors with a breathtaking view of the town and bay below.
It is considered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the several parts of "The Works of Antonio Gaudi". As this was once Gaudi's home, it was converted into a public garden. Access to the site is free but a fee is required if you want to enter his house which is now a museum. Inside are photos of his art as well as pieces of furniture that he had designed.
The park, through infusing elements of Catalan nationalism, and ancient poetry and religion was designed to bring peace and calmness to those who would visit. The terraced garden called the Paseo de Palmas is one of its main attractions. It is surrounded by a bench formed in the shape of a sea serpent. Colorful mosaic tiles on the bench were designed in such a way so that it can quickly dry after a rain.
Gaudi liked to replicate nature, which is why most of his work such as columns look like tree trunks. Other sights include the Hall of the Hundred Columns or Sal de las Cien Columnas, Roadway in the Park, and many other colonnaded pathways. Around these areas you will find abundant undergrowths that line the columns, sculptures, museums and even restaurants. Before the place was lost to the war, visitors were greeted by two life-sized mechanical gazelles that symbolized 'the young beloved', which embodied the regions medieval love poetry.
He also designed this recreational area in a way that there would be less intrusion from roads outside, yet there are several ways to get there. To reach the base, take the metro to the Lesseps stop. From there, you will need to climb up the steep hill which will lead you to one of the entry points. For those who are not up for the exercise, taking the metro to the Vallcarca stop will take you to outdoor escalators for an easier ride to the top.
Those who may need to stop for a drink or for some nourishment, there are small cafes and restaurants outside the entrance. With the trek and sometimes hot weather, a short stop over here may be a wise idea.
A trip to this marvelous tourist attraction in Spain can be a great way to enjoy the peaceful and tranquil surroundings while getting a good glimpse of Barcelona from a lofty vantage point.
It is considered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the several parts of "The Works of Antonio Gaudi". As this was once Gaudi's home, it was converted into a public garden. Access to the site is free but a fee is required if you want to enter his house which is now a museum. Inside are photos of his art as well as pieces of furniture that he had designed.
The park, through infusing elements of Catalan nationalism, and ancient poetry and religion was designed to bring peace and calmness to those who would visit. The terraced garden called the Paseo de Palmas is one of its main attractions. It is surrounded by a bench formed in the shape of a sea serpent. Colorful mosaic tiles on the bench were designed in such a way so that it can quickly dry after a rain.
Gaudi liked to replicate nature, which is why most of his work such as columns look like tree trunks. Other sights include the Hall of the Hundred Columns or Sal de las Cien Columnas, Roadway in the Park, and many other colonnaded pathways. Around these areas you will find abundant undergrowths that line the columns, sculptures, museums and even restaurants. Before the place was lost to the war, visitors were greeted by two life-sized mechanical gazelles that symbolized 'the young beloved', which embodied the regions medieval love poetry.
He also designed this recreational area in a way that there would be less intrusion from roads outside, yet there are several ways to get there. To reach the base, take the metro to the Lesseps stop. From there, you will need to climb up the steep hill which will lead you to one of the entry points. For those who are not up for the exercise, taking the metro to the Vallcarca stop will take you to outdoor escalators for an easier ride to the top.
Those who may need to stop for a drink or for some nourishment, there are small cafes and restaurants outside the entrance. With the trek and sometimes hot weather, a short stop over here may be a wise idea.
A trip to this marvelous tourist attraction in Spain can be a great way to enjoy the peaceful and tranquil surroundings while getting a good glimpse of Barcelona from a lofty vantage point.
About the Author:
Atila Suck usually pens reports on topics dealing with best cities to visit in spain and best tourist places in spain. His comments on places to visit in spain can be found on his site .
