Easily
recognizable by its colorful mosaic architecture, Park Guell is a must-see
attraction on any visit to Barcelona. Its whimsical and playful designs left me
feeling as if I had just stepped into the pages of one of my favorite Dr. Seuss
books. The park is the work of renowned
artist Antoni Gaudi whose work is showcased throughout Barcelona.
The park has
a rather unique history. It was
commissioned in 1900 by Eusebi Guell. He
and Antoni Gaudi planned to create a luxury gated community outside of the
hustle and bustle of the city. The plan
was to build 60 houses in addition to a large square, markets and other
services for the community. Sadly the
idea was not as well received as the pair had hoped and only two of the 60
houses were actually built. The housing
project was abandoned in 1914. It wasn’t
until 1922 that the project was turned into a park which is enjoyed by millions
of visitors each year.
Amazing
Views
Park Guell
is built on Mount Carmel and has some of the most amazing panoramic views of
the city. The views alone are worth the
trip to this attraction.
Very Crowded
No matter
what time of year you visit, the park is sure to be crowded. In an effort to maintain the conservation and
maintenance of the park, the entrance is regulated so only a certain amount of
visitors are allowed in at a time.
Book in
Advance
It’s
recommended that tickets be purchased in advance. Tickets are available for purchased up to 3
months ahead of time. Visitors can choose the type of tickets and the time slot
that best suits their travel needs.
Steep
Inclines
Keep in mind
that some of the paths are very hilly.
There are sections of the park that have inclines that are actually
quite steep so keep that in mind if mobility is an issue or if you plan to
visit on a hot summer day.
Allow at
Least a 1/2 Day
Between
getting there and taking in all the sights you’ll want to allow at least 1/2 a
day to fully enjoy the park.
Not
Centrally Located
Park Guell
is on the outskirts of the city away from other city attractions. It’s a good idea to be aware of this when
planning your itinerary but please don’t let that discourage you from visiting
this one-of-a-kind attraction.
Visit the
beautiful city of Barcelona and book your accommodations through a luxury home
exchanges in Spain
and around the world with International
Vacation Home Exchange . Find
out more about how home exchange
works. Eusebi Guell’s plan for
luxury homes may have fallen through but IVHE has a variety of luxury properties to choose
from not only in Barcelona but around the world.
Thank you to
travel writer Lisa Medeiros. Follow her
on Twitter @lisamedeiros_
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