Barcelona, Park de Guell

Last year we took the boys to Park de Güell Barcelona, I had wanted to take them for a while but did not know quite what to expect.

Park Güell originated in 1900, when Count Eusebi Güell bought a tree-covered hillside (then outside Barcelona) and hired Gaudí to create a miniature city of houses for the wealthy in landscaped grounds. The project was a commercial flop and was abandoned in 1914 – but not before Gaudí had created 3km of roads and walks, steps, a plaza and two gatehouses in his inimitable manner. In 1922 the city bought the estate for use as a public park, Read more.

I will be totally honest, I only discovered that fact today when researching Park de Güell, I cannot believe, such a beautiful park can be a failed building project, it is totally breathtaking and like no park I have ever been.



The boys loved it, with all its walkways a paths leading to little areas and structural corridors, it really is like a beautiful adventure playground. We stopped at a cafe and had lunch in the centre of the park, the peace and tranquility is amazing to say it is located in the centre of a city.

The views from the park over Barcelona are stunning and whilst I am so glad this beautiful area is a park for all enjoy, I can't help feeling sad that this view could new from somebody's window or balcony.

The detail in the mosaics is amazing and must have taken ages to make. The colours and beauty of these pieces are incredible.

Just inside the main entrance on Career d’Olot, recognisable by the two Hansel-and-Gretel gatehouses,these really do look like gingerbread houses. These are the park’s  refurbished Centre d’Interpretaciò, in the Pavelló de Consergeria, The former porter’s home that hosts a display on Gaudí’s building methods and the history of the park. The views are breathtaking from the top floor.