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{{Short description|Public park system in Barcelona, Spain}}
{{Infobox park {{Infobox park
| name = Park Güell | name = Parc Güell
| photo = ] | photo = Parc guell - panoramio.jpg
| photo_width = | photo_width = 260px
| photo_caption = The two buildings at the entrance of the park | photo_caption = The two buildings at the entrance of the park
| map = | map =
| map_width = | map_width =
| type = | type =
| location = ], ], ], ] | location = ], Spain
| coords = {{Coord|41|24|49|N|2|09|10|E|region:ES-CT_scale:5000|display=inline,title}} | coords = {{Coord|41|24|49|N|2|09|10|E|region:ES-CT_scale:5000|display=inline,title}}
| coords_ref = | coords_ref =
Line 18: Line 19:
| embedded = | embedded =
{{Infobox UNESCO World Heritage Site {{Infobox UNESCO World Heritage Site
|child = yes | child = yes
|Part_of = ] | part_of = Works of Antoni Gaudí
| criteria = {{UNESCO WHS type|(i), (ii), (iv)}}(i), (ii), (iv)
|ID = 320-001 | ID = 320-001
|Criteria = Cultural: i, ii, iv
|Year = 1984 | year = 1984
|Extension = 2005 | extension = 2005
}} }}
{{designation list
| embed = yes
| designation1 = Spain
| designation1_type = Non-movable
| designation1_criteria = Monument
| designation1_date = 24 July 1969
| designation1_number = RI-51-0003818
}} }}
}}

'''Parc Güell''' ({{langx|ca|Parc Güell}} {{IPA|ca|ˈpaɾɡ ˈɡweʎ|}}; {{langx|es|Parque Güell}}) is a ] and architectural elements located on Turó del Carmel, in ], ], Spain. Turó del Carmel belongs to the mountain range of ] – the Parc del Carmel which is located on the northern face. Parc Güell is located in ], a neighborhood in the ] of Barcelona. With urbanization in mind, ] assigned the design of the park to ], a renowned architect and the face of ].


The '''Park Güell''' ({{lang-ca|Parc Güell}} {{IPA-ca|ˈparɡ ˈɡweʎ|}}) is a public park system composed of gardens and architectonic elements located on ], in ], ] (]). Carmel Hill belongs to the mountain range of ] – the ] is located on the northern face. Park Güell is located in ], a neighborhood in the ] of Barcelona. With urbanization in mind, ] assigned the design of the park to ], a renowned architect and the face of ]. The park was built between 1900 and 1914 and was officially opened as a public park in 1926. In 1984, ] declared the park a ] under "]".<ref name=gaudiunesco>{{Citation | title =Works of Antoni Gaudí |publisher = Unesco| url = http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/320 | accessdate = 15 July 2011}}</ref> The park was built from 1900 to 1914 and was officially opened as a public park in 1926. In 1984, ] declared the park a ] under "]".<ref name=gaudiunesco>{{Citation | title =Works of Antoni Gaudí |publisher = Unesco| url = https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/320 | access-date = 15 July 2011}}</ref>


==Description== ==Description==
{{Original research|section|date=April 2016}} {{Original research|section|date=April 2016}}
Park Güell is the reflection of Gaudí's artistic plenitude, which belongs to his ] phase (first decade of the 20th century). During this period, the architect perfected his personal style through inspiration from organic shapes. He put into practice a series of new structural solutions rooted in the analysis of geometry. To that, the Catalan artist adds creative liberty and an imaginative, ornamental creation. Starting from a sort of baroquism, his works acquire a structural richness of forms and volumes, free of the rational rigidity or any sort of classic premises. In the design of Park Güell, Gaudí unleashed all his architectonic genius and put to practice much of his innovative structural solutions that would become the symbol of his organic style and that would culminate in the creation of the ] (Catalan: ]). Parc Güell is the reflection of Gaudí's broad artistic talents. The park is associated with his ] phase, which occurred in the first decade of the 20th century. During this period, Gaudí perfected his style through inspiration from organic shapes. His practice introduced a series of new structural solutions rooted in the analysis of geometry, but adding creative liberty and an imaginative, ornamental style. Starting from a ], his works acquire a structural richness of forms and volumes, free of the rational rigidity or any sort of classic premises. In the design of Park Güell, Gaudí put to practice much of his innovative structural solutions that would become the symbol of his organic style, and that would culminate in the creation of the ] (Catalan: ]).


Güell and Gaudí conceived this park, situated within a natural park. They imagined an organized grouping of high-quality homes, decked out with all the latest technological advancements to ensure maximum comfort, finished off with an artistic touch. They also envisioned a community strongly influenced by ], since, in the common elements of the park, they were trying to synthesize many of the political and religious ideals shared by patron and architect: therefore there are noticeable concepts originating from political ] – especially in the entrance stairway where the ] are represented – and from ] – the ], originally designed to be a ]. The ] elements are so important: apparently Güell and Gaudí's conception of the park was also inspired by the ] of ].{{Citation needed|date=April 2016}} When Güell and Gaudí conceived this park, that is situated within a natural park, they imagined an organized group of high-quality homes, featuring all the latest technological advancements to ensure maximum comfort, completed with an artistic touch. They also envisioned a community strongly influenced by ], since, in the common elements of the park, they were trying to synthesize many of the political and religious ideals shared by both the patron and the architect: therefore there are noticeable concepts originating from political ] – especially in the entrance stairway where the ] are represented – and from ] – the ], originally designed to be a ]. The ] elements were important: apparently Güell and Gaudí's conception of the park was also inspired by the ] of ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Antoni Gaudí's Park Güell - Barcelona's Garden City |url=https://www.barcelonacorporatetravel.com/en/articles/park-guell |access-date=2025-01-08 |website=www.barcelonacorporatetravel.com}}</ref>


On the other hand, many experts{{Who|date=April 2016}} have tried to link the park to various symbols because of the complex ] that Gaudí applied to the urban project. Such references go from political vindication to ] exaltation, passing through ], ] and ]. Specifically, many studies claim to see references to ], despite the deep religious beliefs of both Gaudí and ]. These references have not been proven in the ] of the modern architect. The multiplicity of symbols found in the Park Güell is, as previously mentioned, associated to political and religious signs, with a touch of mystery according to the preferences of that time for enigmas and ]. On the other hand, the park can also be seen as linking to various symbols because of the complex ] that Gaudí applied to the project. Such references go from political vindication to ] exaltation, passing through ], ] and ]. Specifically, some studies claim to see references to ], despite the deep religious beliefs of both Gaudí and Count Güell. These references have not been proven in the ] of the modern architect. The multiplicity of symbols found in Parc Güell is, as previously mentioned, associated with political and religious signs, with a touch of mystery according to the preferences of that time for enigmas and ].
{{peacock|date=March 2023}}


==Origins as a housing development== ==Origins as a housing development==
⚫ ]]]
The park was originally part of a commercially unsuccessful housing site, the idea of Count ], after whom the park was named. It was inspired by the English ]; hence the original English name ''Park'' (in ] the name is "Parc Güell"). The site was a rocky hill with little vegetation and few trees, called ''Muntanya Pelada'' (Bare Mountain). It already included a large country house called Larrard House or Muntaner de Dalt House, and was next to a neighborhood of upper class houses called ''La Salut'' (The Health). The intention was to exploit the fresh air (well away from smoky factories) and beautiful views from the site, with sixty triangular lots being provided for luxury houses. Count Eusebi Güell added to the prestige of the development by moving in 1906 to live in Larrard House. Ultimately, only two houses were built, neither designed by Gaudí. One was intended to be a show house, but on being completed in 1904 was put up for sale, and as no buyers came forward, Gaudí, at Güell's suggestion, bought it with his savings and moved in with his family and his father in 1906.<ref name=zim>{{Citation | last = Zimmermann | first = Robert | year =2002 | title =The Best of Gaudí | place = | publisher = | url =http://www.sola-sole.com/bgaudi.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070702205603/http://www.sola-sole.com/bgaudi.pdf|archive-date=22 July 2007}}</ref> This house, where Gaudí lived from 1906 to 1926, was built by Francesc Berenguer in 1904. It contains original works by Gaudí and several of his collaborators. It is now the ] (Casa Museu Gaudí) since 1963. In 1969 it was declared a historical artistic monument of national interest. The park was originally part of a commercially unsuccessful housing site, the idea of Count ], after whom the park was named. It was inspired by the English ]; the original English name ''Park'' (in ] the name is "Parc Güell"; in Spanish, "Parque Güell"). The site was a rocky hill with little vegetation and few trees, called ''Muntanya Pelada'' (Bare Mountain). It already included a large country house called Larrard House or Muntaner de Dalt House and was next to a neighbourhood of upper-class houses called ''La Salut'' (The Health). The intention was to exploit the fresh air (well away from smoky factories) and beautiful views from the site, with sixty triangular lots being provided for luxury houses. Count Eusebi Güell added to the prestige of the development by moving in 1906 to live in Larrard House. Ultimately, only two houses were built, neither designed by Gaudí. One was intended to be a show house, but on being completed in 1904 was put up for sale, and as no buyers came forward, Gaudí, at Güell's suggestion, bought it with his savings and moved in with his family and his father in 1906.<ref name=zim>{{Citation | last = Zimmermann | first = Robert | year =2002 | title =The Best of Gaudí | url =http://www.sola-sole.com/bgaudi.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070702205603/http://www.sola-sole.com/bgaudi.pdf|archive-date=2 July 2007}}</ref> This house, where Gaudí lived from 1906 to 1926 (his death), was built by Francesc Berenguer in 1904. It contains original works by Gaudí and several of his collaborators. It has been the ] (Casa Museu Gaudí) since 1963. In 1969, it was declared a historical artistic monument of national interest.


== Municipal garden == == Municipal garden ==
⚫ ]]]
] salamander, popularly known as "el drac" (the dragon), at the main entrance, as restored after the vandalism of February 2007]] ] salamander, popularly known as "el drac" (the dragon), at the main entrance, as restored after the vandalism of February 2007]]
] ]


It has since been converted into a municipal garden. It can be reached by underground railway (although the stations are at a distance from the Park and at a much lower level below the hill), by city buses, or by commercial tourist buses. Since October 2013 there is an entrance fee to visit the Monumental Zone (main entrance, terrace, and the parts containing mosaics), but the entrance to the Park remains free. Gaudí's house, "la Torre Rosa," – containing furniture that he designed – can be only visited for another entrance fee. There is a reduced rate for those wishing to see both Gaudí's house and the ] Church. It has since been converted into a municipal garden. It can be reached by underground railway (although the stations are at a distance from the Park and at a much lower level below the hill), by city buses, or by commercial tourist buses. In October 2013 an entrance fee was introduced for the Monumental Zone (main entrance, terrace, viaducts, and the parts containing mosaics), so entrance to the Park is no longer free, except for citizens of Barcelona. Limited tickets are available which often sell out in advance. Gaudí's house, "la Torre Rosa," – containing furniture that he designed – can be only visited for another entrance fee. There is a reduced rate for those wishing to see both Gaudí's house and the ] Church.


Park Güell is designed and composed to bring the peace and calm that one would expect from a park. The buildings flanking the entrance, though very original and remarkable with fantastically shaped roofs with unusual pinnacles, fit in well with the use of the park as pleasure gardens and seem relatively inconspicuous in the landscape when one considers the flamboyance of other buildings designed by Gaudí. One of these buildings houses a permanent exhibition of the ] MUHBA focused on the building itself, the park and the city.<ref>{{cite web|title=MUHBA Park Güell|url=http://museuhistoria.bcn.cat/en/node/654}}</ref><ref>{{cite av media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXEGigoEa5k|title=LMVC UPC CPSV. MUHBA. Levantamiento del Parc Güell Casa del Guarda|date=3 April 2013|publisher=|accessdate=2 April 2016|via=YouTube}}</ref> Park Güell is designed and composed to bring the peace and calm that one would expect from a park. The buildings flanking the entrance, though very original and remarkable with fantastically shaped roofs with unusual pinnacles, fit in well with the use of the park as pleasure gardens and seem relatively inconspicuous in the landscape when one considers the flamboyance of other buildings designed by Gaudí. These two buildings make up the Porter's Lodge pavilion.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://parkguell.barcelona/en/park-guell/emblematic-features/entrance-pavilions|title = The entrance and the porter's lodge pavilions &#124; Web oficial Park Güell &#124; Barcelona}}</ref> One of these buildings contains a small room with a telephone booth. The other, while once being the porter's house, is now a permanent exhibition of the ] (Museu d'Història de Barcelona, or MUHBA). MUHBA focused on the building itself, the park and the city.<ref>{{cite web|title=MUHBA Park Güell|url=http://ajuntament.barcelona.cat/museuhistoria/en/muhba-park-guell}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXEGigoEa5k| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211122/fXEGigoEa5k| archive-date=2021-11-22 | url-status=live|title=LMVC UPC CPSV. MUHBA. Levantamiento del Parc Güell Casa del Guarda|date=3 April 2013|access-date=2 April 2016|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref>


The focal point of the park is the main terrace, surrounded by a long bench in the form of a ]. The curves of the serpent bench form a number of enclaves, creating a more social atmosphere. Gaudí incorporated many motifs of ] nationalism, and elements from religious mysticism and ancient poetry, into the Park. Much of the design of the benches was the work not of Gaudí but of his often overlooked collaborator ].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2016/sep/09/gaudis-partner-in-iconic-barcelona-design-finally-gets-the-limelight |title=Gaudí's partner in iconic Barcelona design finally gets the limelight |publisher=The Guardian |first=Stephen |last=Burgen |date=2016-09-09 |accessdate=2016-09-09}}</ref> The focal point of the park is the main terrace, surrounded by a long bench in the form of a ]. The curves of the serpent bench form a number of enclaves, creating a more social atmosphere. Gaudí incorporated many motifs of ] nationalism, and elements from religious mysticism and ancient poetry, into the Park. Much of the design of the benches was the work not of Gaudí but of his often overlooked collaborator ].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2016/sep/09/gaudis-partner-in-iconic-barcelona-design-finally-gets-the-limelight |title=Gaudí's partner in iconic Barcelona design finally gets the limelight |newspaper=The Guardian |first=Stephen |last=Burgen |date=2016-09-09 |access-date=2016-09-09}}</ref>


Roadways around the park to service the intended houses were designed by Gaudí as structures jutting out from the steep hillside or running on viaducts, with separate footpaths in arcades formed under these structures. This minimized the intrusion of the roads, and Gaudí designed them using local stone in a way that integrates them closely into the landscape. His structures echo natural forms, with columns like tree trunks supporting branching ] under the roadway, and the curves of vaulting and alignment of sloping columns designed in a similar way to his ] so that the ] shapes form perfect compression structures.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://dataphys.org/list/gaudis-hanging-chain-models/ |title=1889 – Gaudí's Hanging Chain Models |website=List of Physical Visualizations |access-date=8 June 2017}}</ref> Roadways around the park to service the intended houses were designed by Gaudí as structures jutting out from the steep hillside or running on viaducts, with separate footpaths in arcades formed under these structures. This minimized the intrusion of the roads, and Gaudí designed them using local stone in a way that integrates them closely into the landscape. His structures echo natural forms, with columns like tree trunks supporting branching ] under the roadway, and the curves of vaulting and alignment of sloping columns designed in a similar way to his ] so that the ] shapes form perfect compression structures.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://dataphys.org/list/gaudis-hanging-chain-models/ |title=1889 – Gaudí's Hanging Chain Models |website=List of Physical Visualizations |date=20 January 2015 |access-date=8 June 2017}}</ref>


The large cross at the park's high-point offers the most complete view of Barcelona and the bay. It is possible to view the main city in panorama, with the Sagrada Família and the ] area visible at a distance. At the park's high-point, there is a stone hill composed of steps leading up to a platform which holds three large crosses. The official name of this is "El Turó de les Tres Creus," however many tourists choose to call it Calvary. Two of the crosses point north–south and east–west, the third, and tallest cross, points skyward. This lookout offers the most complete view of Barcelona and the bay. It is possible to view the main city in panorama, with the Sagrada Família (another Antoni Guadí's famous creations), the Agbar Tower, and the ] area visible at a distance.


The park supports a wide variety of wildlife, notably several of the non-native species of ] found in the Barcelona area. Other birds can be seen from the park, with records including ]. The park also supports a population of ]. The park supports a wide variety of wildlife, notably several of the non-native species of ] found in the Barcelona area. Other birds can be seen from the park, with records including ]. The park also supports a population of ].
{{clear left}}


==Gallery of images== ==Gallery of images==
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File:GuellTerraceSeperate.jpg|An uninterrupted view of the terrace walls. File:GuellTerraceSeperate.jpg|An uninterrupted view of the terrace walls.
File:Goelwalways06390156.JPG|Roadway in the Park - resembles the pine trees of the park. In order to fit in, the road and walkway structures between the terraces were built with stones quarried within the park. Bird nests have been installed in the walkways. File:Goelwalways06390156.JPG|Roadway in the Park - resembles the pine trees of the park. In order to fit in, the road and walkway structures between the terraces were built with stones quarried within the park. Bird nests have been installed in the walkways.
File:Parc Güell viaduct.jpg|One of the three viaducts located within the park. Originally created by Antoni Gaudí to allow carriages to easily facilitate the transportation of visitors from the park's entrance to the "Turó de Tres Creus" which can be found on the top of the mountain, these viaducts continue to allow guests to travel throughout the park.
File:Parc Güell viaduct.jpg|Viaduct
File:Parc Guell 10.jpg|Colonnaded footpath under the roadway viaduct, with external columns sloping to take the diagonal thrust from the vault supporting the road. File:Parc Guell 10.jpg|Colonnaded footpath under the roadway viaduct, with external columns sloping to take the diagonal thrust from the vault supporting the road.
File:Colonnadeparkguell.jpg|Colonnaded pathway where the road projects out from the hillside, with the vaulting forming a ] which curves over to support the road, and transmits the load onto sloping columns. File:Colonnadeparkguell.jpg|Colonnaded pathway where the road projects out from the hillside, with the vaulting forming a ] which curves over to support the road, and transmits the load onto sloping columns.
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File:Barcelona 29-04-2006 11-29-38.JPG|One of Gaudí's unique tiles in Parc Güell File:Barcelona 29-04-2006 11-29-38.JPG|One of Gaudí's unique tiles in Parc Güell
File:Ceiling mosaic, Park Güell, Barcelona.jpg|Ceiling Mosaic in the Hypostyle Room, Park Güell, Barcelona File:Ceiling mosaic, Park Güell, Barcelona.jpg|Ceiling Mosaic in the Hypostyle Room, Park Güell, Barcelona
File:Park Güell - Pabellón de entrada.jpg|Pavilion at the entrance File:Park Güell - Pabellón de entrada.jpg|The Porter's Lodge pavilion at the park's entrance. The roof is made up of trencadís tiles.
File:Escalinata de entrada del Park Güell.jpg|Third fountain at the entrance with the dragon File:Escalinata de entrada del Park Güell.jpg|Third fountain at the entrance with the dragon
File:Casa Martí Trias i Domènech.jpg|Casa Martí Trias i Domènech File:Casa Martí Trias i Domènech.jpg|Casa Martí Trias i Domènech
File:Panoramic view of the entrance to the Park Güell. Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.jpg|Panoramic view of the entrance to the Park Güell. Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain File:Panoramic view of the entrance to the Park Güell. Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.jpg|Panoramic view of the entrance to the Park Güell. Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
File:A musician playing among columns of Sala Hipóstila, Park Güell ( UNESCO World Heritage Site), hill of El Carmel, Gràcia (district), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.jpg|A musician playing among columns of Sala Hipóstila, Park Güell ( UNESCO World Heritage Site), hill of El Carmel, Gràcia (district), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain File:A musician playing among columns of Sala Hipóstila, Park Güell ( UNESCO World Heritage Site), hill of El Carmel, Gràcia (district), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.jpg|A musician playing among columns of Sala Hipóstila, Park Güell (UNESCO World Heritage Site), hill of El Carmel, Gràcia (district), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
</gallery> </gallery>

==See also==
* ]
* ]
* ]


==References== ==References==
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==External links== ==External links==
{{commons|Parc Güell|Parc Güell}} {{Commons|Parc Güell|Parc Güell}}
* UNESCO Collection on Google Arts and Culture
*
*

{{Antoni Gaudí}}
{{Barcelona landmarks}} {{Barcelona landmarks}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Park Guell}}
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] ]
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Latest revision as of 10:39, 9 January 2025

Public park system in Barcelona, Spain
Parc Güell
The two buildings at the entrance of the park
LocationBarcelona, Spain
Coordinates41°24′49″N 2°09′10″E / 41.41361°N 2.15278°E / 41.41361; 2.15278
Established1914
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Part ofWorks of Antoni Gaudí
CriteriaCultural: (i), (ii), (iv)
Reference320-001
Inscription1984 (8th Session)
Extensions2005
Spanish Cultural Heritage
TypeNon-movable
CriteriaMonument
Designated24 July 1969
Reference no.RI-51-0003818

Parc Güell (Catalan: Parc Güell [ˈpaɾɡ ˈɡweʎ]; Spanish: Parque Güell) is a privatized park system composed of gardens and architectural elements located on Turó del Carmel, in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. Turó del Carmel belongs to the mountain range of Collserola – the Parc del Carmel which is located on the northern face. Parc Güell is located in La Salut, a neighborhood in the Gràcia district of Barcelona. With urbanization in mind, Eusebi Güell assigned the design of the park to Antoni Gaudí, a renowned architect and the face of Catalan modernism.

The park was built from 1900 to 1914 and was officially opened as a public park in 1926. In 1984, UNESCO declared the park a World Heritage Site under "Works of Antoni Gaudí".

Description

This section possibly contains original research. Please improve it by verifying the claims made and adding inline citations. Statements consisting only of original research should be removed. (April 2016) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

Parc Güell is the reflection of Gaudí's broad artistic talents. The park is associated with his naturalist phase, which occurred in the first decade of the 20th century. During this period, Gaudí perfected his style through inspiration from organic shapes. His practice introduced a series of new structural solutions rooted in the analysis of geometry, but adding creative liberty and an imaginative, ornamental style. Starting from a Baroquism, his works acquire a structural richness of forms and volumes, free of the rational rigidity or any sort of classic premises. In the design of Park Güell, Gaudí put to practice much of his innovative structural solutions that would become the symbol of his organic style, and that would culminate in the creation of the Basilica and Expiatory Church of the Holy Family (Catalan: Sagrada Família).

When Güell and Gaudí conceived this park, that is situated within a natural park, they imagined an organized group of high-quality homes, featuring all the latest technological advancements to ensure maximum comfort, completed with an artistic touch. They also envisioned a community strongly influenced by symbolism, since, in the common elements of the park, they were trying to synthesize many of the political and religious ideals shared by both the patron and the architect: therefore there are noticeable concepts originating from political Catalanism – especially in the entrance stairway where the Catalan countries are represented – and from Catholicism – the Monumento al Calvario, originally designed to be a chapel. The mythological elements were important: apparently Güell and Gaudí's conception of the park was also inspired by the Temple of Apollo of Delphi.

On the other hand, the park can also be seen as linking to various symbols because of the complex iconography that Gaudí applied to the project. Such references go from political vindication to religious exaltation, passing through mythology, history and philosophy. Specifically, some studies claim to see references to Freemasonry, despite the deep religious beliefs of both Gaudí and Count Güell. These references have not been proven in the historiography of the modern architect. The multiplicity of symbols found in Parc Güell is, as previously mentioned, associated with political and religious signs, with a touch of mystery according to the preferences of that time for enigmas and puzzles.

This article contains wording that promotes the subject in a subjective manner without imparting real information. Please remove or replace such wording and instead of making proclamations about a subject's importance, use facts and attribution to demonstrate that importance. (March 2023) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

Origins as a housing development

The Gaudí House Museum

The park was originally part of a commercially unsuccessful housing site, the idea of Count Eusebi Güell, after whom the park was named. It was inspired by the English garden city movement; the original English name Park (in Catalan the name is "Parc Güell"; in Spanish, "Parque Güell"). The site was a rocky hill with little vegetation and few trees, called Muntanya Pelada (Bare Mountain). It already included a large country house called Larrard House or Muntaner de Dalt House and was next to a neighbourhood of upper-class houses called La Salut (The Health). The intention was to exploit the fresh air (well away from smoky factories) and beautiful views from the site, with sixty triangular lots being provided for luxury houses. Count Eusebi Güell added to the prestige of the development by moving in 1906 to live in Larrard House. Ultimately, only two houses were built, neither designed by Gaudí. One was intended to be a show house, but on being completed in 1904 was put up for sale, and as no buyers came forward, Gaudí, at Güell's suggestion, bought it with his savings and moved in with his family and his father in 1906. This house, where Gaudí lived from 1906 to 1926 (his death), was built by Francesc Berenguer in 1904. It contains original works by Gaudí and several of his collaborators. It has been the Gaudí House Museum (Casa Museu Gaudí) since 1963. In 1969, it was declared a historical artistic monument of national interest.

Municipal garden

Gaudí's multicolored mosaic salamander, popularly known as "el drac" (the dragon), at the main entrance, as restored after the vandalism of February 2007
Gaudí's mosaic work on the main terrace

It has since been converted into a municipal garden. It can be reached by underground railway (although the stations are at a distance from the Park and at a much lower level below the hill), by city buses, or by commercial tourist buses. In October 2013 an entrance fee was introduced for the Monumental Zone (main entrance, terrace, viaducts, and the parts containing mosaics), so entrance to the Park is no longer free, except for citizens of Barcelona. Limited tickets are available which often sell out in advance. Gaudí's house, "la Torre Rosa," – containing furniture that he designed – can be only visited for another entrance fee. There is a reduced rate for those wishing to see both Gaudí's house and the Sagrada Família Church.

Park Güell is designed and composed to bring the peace and calm that one would expect from a park. The buildings flanking the entrance, though very original and remarkable with fantastically shaped roofs with unusual pinnacles, fit in well with the use of the park as pleasure gardens and seem relatively inconspicuous in the landscape when one considers the flamboyance of other buildings designed by Gaudí. These two buildings make up the Porter's Lodge pavilion. One of these buildings contains a small room with a telephone booth. The other, while once being the porter's house, is now a permanent exhibition of the Barcelona City History Museum (Museu d'Història de Barcelona, or MUHBA). MUHBA focused on the building itself, the park and the city.

The focal point of the park is the main terrace, surrounded by a long bench in the form of a sea serpent. The curves of the serpent bench form a number of enclaves, creating a more social atmosphere. Gaudí incorporated many motifs of Catalan nationalism, and elements from religious mysticism and ancient poetry, into the Park. Much of the design of the benches was the work not of Gaudí but of his often overlooked collaborator Josep Maria Jujol.

Roadways around the park to service the intended houses were designed by Gaudí as structures jutting out from the steep hillside or running on viaducts, with separate footpaths in arcades formed under these structures. This minimized the intrusion of the roads, and Gaudí designed them using local stone in a way that integrates them closely into the landscape. His structures echo natural forms, with columns like tree trunks supporting branching vaulting under the roadway, and the curves of vaulting and alignment of sloping columns designed in a similar way to his Church of Colònia Güell so that the inverted catenary arch shapes form perfect compression structures.

At the park's high-point, there is a stone hill composed of steps leading up to a platform which holds three large crosses. The official name of this is "El Turó de les Tres Creus," however many tourists choose to call it Calvary. Two of the crosses point north–south and east–west, the third, and tallest cross, points skyward. This lookout offers the most complete view of Barcelona and the bay. It is possible to view the main city in panorama, with the Sagrada Família (another Antoni Guadí's famous creations), the Agbar Tower, and the Montjuïc area visible at a distance.

The park supports a wide variety of wildlife, notably several of the non-native species of parrot found in the Barcelona area. Other birds can be seen from the park, with records including short-toed eagle. The park also supports a population of hummingbird hawk moths.

Gallery of images

  • View from the main terrace of the park. View from the main terrace of the park.
  • Entrance to the Park. Entrance to the Park.
  • Doric columns support the roof of the lower court which forms the central terrace, with serpentine seating round its edge. Doric columns support the roof of the lower court which forms the central terrace, with serpentine seating round its edge.
  • The unique shape of the serpentine bench enables the people sitting on it to converse privately, although the square is large. The bench is tiled and in order to dry up quickly after it rains, and to stop people from sitting in the wet part of the bench, small bumps were installed by Gaudí. The unique shape of the serpentine bench enables the people sitting on it to converse privately, although the square is large. The bench is tiled and in order to dry up quickly after it rains, and to stop people from sitting in the wet part of the bench, small bumps were installed by Gaudí.
  • Bird nests built by Gaudí in the terrace walls. The walls imitate the trees planted on them. Bird nests built by Gaudí in the terrace walls. The walls imitate the trees planted on them.
  • An uninterrupted view of the terrace walls. An uninterrupted view of the terrace walls.
  • Roadway in the Park - resembles the pine trees of the park. In order to fit in, the road and walkway structures between the terraces were built with stones quarried within the park. Bird nests have been installed in the walkways. Roadway in the Park - resembles the pine trees of the park. In order to fit in, the road and walkway structures between the terraces were built with stones quarried within the park. Bird nests have been installed in the walkways.
  • One of the three viaducts located within the park. Originally created by Antoni Gaudí to allow carriages to easily facilitate the transportation of visitors from the park's entrance to the "Turó de Tres Creus" which can be found on the top of the mountain, these viaducts continue to allow guests to travel throughout the park. One of the three viaducts located within the park. Originally created by Antoni Gaudí to allow carriages to easily facilitate the transportation of visitors from the park's entrance to the "Turó de Tres Creus" which can be found on the top of the mountain, these viaducts continue to allow guests to travel throughout the park.
  • Colonnaded footpath under the roadway viaduct, with external columns sloping to take the diagonal thrust from the vault supporting the road. Colonnaded footpath under the roadway viaduct, with external columns sloping to take the diagonal thrust from the vault supporting the road.
  • Colonnaded pathway where the road projects out from the hillside, with the vaulting forming a retaining wall which curves over to support the road, and transmits the load onto sloping columns. Colonnaded pathway where the road projects out from the hillside, with the vaulting forming a retaining wall which curves over to support the road, and transmits the load onto sloping columns.
  • Another of Gaudí's Tiled Mosaics on the ceiling. Another of Gaudí's Tiled Mosaics on the ceiling.
  • One of Gaudí's unique tiles in Parc Güell One of Gaudí's unique tiles in Parc Güell
  • Ceiling Mosaic in the Hypostyle Room, Park Güell, Barcelona Ceiling Mosaic in the Hypostyle Room, Park Güell, Barcelona
  • The Porter's Lodge pavilion at the park's entrance. The roof is made up of trencadís tiles. The Porter's Lodge pavilion at the park's entrance. The roof is made up of trencadís tiles.
  • Third fountain at the entrance with the dragon Third fountain at the entrance with the dragon
  • Casa Martí Trias i Domènech Casa Martí Trias i Domènech
  • Panoramic view of the entrance to the Park Güell. Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain Panoramic view of the entrance to the Park Güell. Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
  • A musician playing among columns of Sala Hipóstila, Park Güell (UNESCO World Heritage Site), hill of El Carmel, Gràcia (district), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain A musician playing among columns of Sala Hipóstila, Park Güell (UNESCO World Heritage Site), hill of El Carmel, Gràcia (district), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

See also

References

  1. Works of Antoni Gaudí, Unesco, retrieved 15 July 2011
  2. "Antoni Gaudí's Park Güell - Barcelona's Garden City". www.barcelonacorporatetravel.com. Retrieved 2025-01-08.
  3. Zimmermann, Robert (2002), The Best of Gaudí (PDF), archived from the original (PDF) on 2 July 2007
  4. "The entrance and the porter's lodge pavilions | Web oficial Park Güell | Barcelona".
  5. "MUHBA Park Güell".
  6. LMVC UPC CPSV. MUHBA. Levantamiento del Parc Güell Casa del Guarda. 3 April 2013. Archived from the original on 2021-11-22. Retrieved 2 April 2016 – via YouTube.
  7. Burgen, Stephen (2016-09-09). "Gaudí's partner in iconic Barcelona design finally gets the limelight". The Guardian. Retrieved 2016-09-09.
  8. "1889 – Gaudí's Hanging Chain Models". List of Physical Visualizations. 20 January 2015. Retrieved 8 June 2017.

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