Parc Guell – An Oasis of Calm in Barcelona

Things to do

Parc Guëll is full of different activities and places to discover – you’ll need more than an afternoon to discover all the marvels this park has to offer. Specifically, there is a children’s playground, fountains, a bar, an area for pets, Gaudi’s old house that has been transformed into a museum and plenty of other works designed by the architect. There are also lots of traders selling hand-made souvenirs, so if you look carefully you are bound to come across something special.

Arriving at the Park

From the moment you arrive at Parc Guëll the change of scenery is striking. The bright colours, little houses and unusual shapes transport you into another world. Even though the entrance to the park is pretty full with tourists, it still strikes you that this place is truly indescribable, infused with a relaxing yet magical atmosphere. I climbed the main set of steps and begin to discover the marvels that are packed into the Parc Guëll. The fountains running along the steps are truly magnificent. Especially impressive is the dragon fountain, symbolising fire and alchemy.

The Room of 100 Columns and the Great Square

I then approached the ‘Room of 100 Columns’ which is, as the name suggests, a large space packed with columns. A guitarist was playing flamenco tunes and singing along as I gazed at the superb ceramic mosaics decorating the roof.

As I gradually headed up the hill on which the park is situated I felt the atmosphere become calmer. I suddenly came across a large square which is bordered by a long, flowing ceramic bank whose curves occupy visitors reading and dozing. It is a magnificent piece of art, reminding me of a flag dancing softly in the breeze, giving the illusion that it is constantly moving. Gaudi designed this border with the shapes and movements of a sea snake in mind.

Everyone was sat around the square, save a group of jazz musicians who seemed to be totally engrossed by their music. I took a seat too, not far from the musicians. Closing my eyes, I become disconnected from reality- only the crowd’s applause at the end of the piece makes me regain my consciousness. For complete relaxation, you might even take advantage of a massage on offer by one of the traders in the square.

When I think back to my visit, I really am taken aback by Gaudi’s genius in managing to integrate his work so skillfully into the landscape and producing natural shapes with waves and curves. One of the most impressive examples of this is his sculpting of seats into the towering, stone pillars.

At the Top of the Park

I continued my ascent until I finally arrived at a viewing point at the top of Parc Guëll. Here you’ll find extraordinary, panoramic views of Barcelona where you can spot the majority of Barcelona’s monuments: Sagrada Familia, Agbar Tower, “W” Hotel at the port and of course the Mediterranean. It is an unforgettable image.

My visit to Parc Guëll was truly extraordinary. It is a place that you absolutely must visit during your visit to Barcelona. I was in awe of the indescribable beauty of the place and I now understand why this city has the nickname ‘the place of prodigies’.