Park Güell in Barcelona, Ahead of its Time

Bonjour tout le monde!

When visiting Barcelona, Spain, one of the “must-see” sites is Park Güell.  Conceived and created by the Spanish architect, Anton Gaudi, Park Güell was intended to be one of the first luxury housing subdivisions in the city. Gaudi, along with Eusebi Güell, a noble entrepreneur, envisioned an organized complex of high-quality homes built with all the latest advancements of the early 20^th century.  This was designed to ensure maximum comfort with a Gaudi flare.  There were to be houses, a park, and even an open air market for those rich and lucky enough to live in the park.  Living away from the center of the city, away from smoky factories, and with beautiful views of Barcelona and its harbor.

The subdivision had sixty triangular lots for the luxury houses.  Count Güell moved into one of the only two houses that were constructed, and neither was designed by Gaudi.  Gaud bought the second house with savings, and moved into it with his family.  The idea of the wealthy folks in Barcelona living away from the hustle, bustle, smells and bad air was a good one, but, unfortunately ahead of its time.  People thought that the park was too far away from the center of the city, and it was never developed beyond the two homes.

Gaudi designed the roadways that run around the park as structures jutting out from the hillside or running on viaducts, which minimized their intrusion into the peace and calm of the area.  The focal of the park is the main terrace, which is surrounded by a long, serpentine bench and made of beautiful mosaic tiles.  Underneath the gallery is the lower court, intended to be the marketplace.  It supports the central terrace with Doric columns, which are hollow and collect rainwater.

On our trip to Paris and Barcelona, please make sure not to miss this wonderful and whimsical spot that was meant for the well to do of the era.  The views of Barcelona, and the central terrace are more than worth the special trip.  There is even an excursion that will make this possible!

Email jacki.williamsjones@gmail.com if you have any questions, then go to http://jackiwilliams-jones.grouptoursite.com to reserve your spot for only $300 deposit. 

The center terrace, surrounded by the mosaic bench

a close up view of the beautiful bench that surrounds the terrace

Barcelona, as seen from the terrace - in the foreground,  the "guard"house to the community

A covered walkway

a detail of the marketplace under the terrace

taking a photo with the salamander fountain - the marketplace is in the backbround.

The central terrace above, the marketplace below.