Parc Guell by Antonio Gaudi

Another of the many legacies to the city of Barcelona by renowned architect Antonio Gaudi is Parc Guell. Completed in 1914, this UNESCO nominated world heritage site sits in the hills on the northern perimeter of Barcelona.

The twenty-hectare park boasts exceptional architectural elements nestled in a serene haven of lush greenery while also offering the visitor a stunning panoramic view of the city below. The terraced gardens offer an outstanding blend of both natural and artificial. Gaudi loved to include colourful mosaic tile in his design for the park and nowhere is this love more apparent than in the available seating.

Barcelona can get very warm and many of the hills are steep so before entering the park, stop at the small cafe on the outskirts and have a cool drink.

Entrance to Parc Guell by Antonio Gaudi

If you are in need of a little more sustenance, there are a number of small restaurants to choose from.

Just as you enter, take a moment to enjoy the outstanding dragon-themed fountain with its multi colored tile design. Then saunter down the flower adorned pathways dotted with numerous mosaic tiles that show off the distinctive influence of Antonio Gaudi.

Parc Guell Dragon Fountain

Many more sights that are interesting await you once you get further inside the park. There is a museum dedicated to Gaudi's art, filled with photos and other items both educational and ornamental. The building was once the architect's house, which still contains furniture that was designed by Gaudi himself.

Once outside again, there is no shortage of other worthy sights to peruse. Alongside the lush shrubbery, you will come across sculptures, columns, restaurants and museums. Then there is the enormous curved bench known as the Paseo de Palmas, which is the famed throughout the city.

A little further on is the Sala de las Cien Columnas or Hall of the Hundred Columns, which is an amazing array of classical supports. However, what they support is drawn from later styles, such as the romantic-era balcony, which is covered in mosaic tiles of a more contemporary design.

In close proximity there is a walkway supported by twisted rock pillars, introducing yet another style. Uneven and organic in looks, they demonstrate another aspect of the organic eclecticism Gaudi embraced.

There is no charge for admission to Parc Guell and the majority of the buildings open at 10am. There are several entrances to the park. Taking the metro to the Lesseps stop will bring you to the base, which will then entail a steep climb up the hill on which the park rests. Alternatively, take the metro to the stop at Vallcarca where there are outdoor escalators that will transport you to the top of the park.