Park Güell in Barcelona, Spain, may just be the most creative park in the world! The famed Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi’s creation consists of an over-sized sea serpent bench and a mosaic dragon fountain to greet guests (pictured above) as they enter Park Güell. Not surprisingly the park is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The entrance to Park Güell complete with a large dragon fountain to greet visitors.
Jade from Vagabond3 and I spent the morning exploring Park Güell, walking there from our ultra modern and sleek apartment hotel in Barcelona, and finishing off the morning with some tapas! Is it any wonder that I’m crushing on Barcelona?
Below the terrace offers visitors some much welcome shade on a hot day.
Visitors first reach a shady area with pillars below the terrace with interesting mosaics built into the ceiling. When you’re neck starts to cramp from staring up, it’s time to go to the actual terrace itself, the main attraction in Park Güell:
The terrace at Park Guell is one of the park's main attractions.
Combining form and function is a gigantic sea serpent bench on the terrace providing sweeping views of Barcelona and to the sea on a clear day.
The over-sized mosaic sea serpent bench combines art and functionality.
The back of the sea serpent bench is made of mosaic tiles of all different shapes and colors. I may just start saving my old broken dishes for a Gaudi inspired art project, but on a much smaller scale.
A popular to listen to local musicians who set up shop while taking in the views to the city and the sea.
Visitors make their way up the hill to this enclave where you can listen to musicians. We were there at around 10:30 and they were just starting to set up.
Pathways guide visitors through Park Gu ell.
Pathways guide visitors up to the top of the hill, where Park Güell resembles more of a traditional park with greenery. The best views are from the top of the hill:
The view from Park Güell stretches over Barcelona, all the way to the sea on a clear day. The two Gaudi houses pictured are used as administration buildings.
So what do you think? Is Park Güell the most creative park in the world, or are there are contenders out there?
Know Before You Go to Park Güell:
- Entrance to Park Güell is free
- Park Güell is a popular tourist attraction so go early to avoid the crowds
- The Gaudi House Museum is also at Park Güell, for the best deal, buy a combo ticket that also includes entrance to the Sagrada Familia Church (another very famous Gaudi design and UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Park Güell is accessible by public transportation but the nearest metro stop is ~a 20minute walk from the park and the last part is steep, if this is a concern consider going by bus or taxi
- Park Güell is normally open from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
Absolutely gorgeous – I’d never heard of the park designed by Gaudi before, but rather only the cathedral. Great photos too, thanks for sharing – and yet another reason for me to make Barcelona a priority to visit!
Waegook Tom recently posted..Samgyeopsal
I’ve heard of this park before but never saw it when I was in Barcelona – looks like such an amazing place to explore and definitely among the most creative parks I’ve ever seen!
Andrea recently posted..Just How Expensive is Norway?
Three trips to Barcelona and three times I’ve missed this. So disappointed. I didn’t realise it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site but I guess I shouldn’t be surprised…
Andrea recently posted..A Sunny Afternoon in Banyoles
This was such a great way to start our day and our friendship! The hike from our apartment was a little long, but such great company and the reward of the park was fantastic!
Jade recently posted..Sunset from Salvation Mountain
Wow, that looks insane (and, of course, creative). I love mosaic art– even done a few pieces myself– so I really love the sea serpent bench and the dragon fountain shots. Would definitely love to check this out if/when we get to Spain.
Bret @ Green Global Travel recently posted..VIDEO: Marine Iguanas of The Galapagos Islands
Definitely the most creative park ever, also because it’s not meant to be a playground, even though it kind looks like one!
Angela recently posted..A trip, a photo – Beirut, city of contrasts
That looks like an amazing park! Very fun!
Sabrina recently posted..My Seven Super Shots
I really love the work of Gaudi. He always makes me smile.
Italian Notes recently posted..Undiscovered Umbria
“I may just start saving my old broken dishes for a Gaudi inspired art project, but on a much smaller scale.”
Just how many dishes are you breaking? The park looks beautiful. Sitting on the plaza looks like such a great way to pass an afternoon away.
Steve recently posted..The Art of Video Games
The mossiacs are my favorite. They combine here so artistically. I agree, its a very creative park, even beyond the mossiacs.
Sherry recently posted..“Greenery at Queen Elizabeth Park”
Dragon fountains are the best. That’s so great that you got to hang out with Jade!
Christy recently posted..OT Surf Apparel Update!
I love this park but find it does get too crowded! Good thing you two went early in the morning and could see the park without the hordes of tourists.
cheryl recently posted..Graffiti And Street Art In Berlin – Instagram Style.
My favorite place in Barcelona.
Great pics.
Laura recently posted..A Last Glimpse At This Year’s Las Fallas Festival & What It Meant To Us
Awesome pictures! I got a little bit obsessed with Gaudi when I was in Barcelona and saw literally everything of his, lol. H has a very unique architectural style, that’s for sure
Wanderplex recently posted..Video: Chinese hotpot with a side of… nail polish and kung-fu noodles?
This was one of the most amazing parks for me – very artistic. I love all of Gaudi’s work!
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