Barcelona is a beautiful city with various attractions to explore. One of the most famous tourist destinations in Barcelona is its parks.
The city has several parks, each with its unique charm and appeal. But when it comes to the most famous park in Barcelona, there is no doubt that it is the Parc Güell.
Parc Güell – A Brief Overview
Parc Güell is located on a hill in the Gracia district of Barcelona and was designed by Antoni Gaudí, an iconic Spanish architect known for his unique and imaginative architecture. The park was built between 1900-1914 and was originally intended to be a housing estate. However, due to a lack of buyers, the land was turned into a public park.
Features of Parc Güell
One of the striking features of Parc Güell is its stunning view of Barcelona from the hilltop. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the city from several points within the park. Besides, the Park has many impressive features like colourful mosaics, sculptures and intricate stonework.
The Park has two main areas – one that requires paid admission tickets and another that is free to enter. The paid area includes Gaudi’s house which now serves as a museum showcasing some of his works.
Notable Attractions at Parc Güell
- The Hypostyle Room
- The Dragon Stairway
- The Greek Theatre
- The Laundry Room Portico
- The Austria Gardens
- The Terrace with Serpentine Bench
One cannot miss out on visiting these notable attractions while exploring Parc Güell. Each attraction has its unique story and design that will leave you amazed.
The Hypostyle Room
This is a large chamber supported by 86 columns that provide a unique visual experience. The columns are designed to resemble trees, and the ceiling is decorated with colourful mosaics.
The Dragon Stairway
The dragon fountain and staircase are among the most photographed features of Parc Güell. The staircase leads up to the Hypostyle Room and has a dragon statue at its base.
The Greek Theatre
This is an open-air theatre that can accommodate up to 300 people. The theatre was built into the hillside and has a stunning view of Barcelona’s skyline.
The Laundry Room Portico
The Laundry Room Portico is an impressive space with a sloping roof made of stone. The space served as a laundry for residents of the original housing estate.
The Austria Gardens
The Austria Gardens are located in the free section of Parc Güell and offer stunning views of Barcelona’s skyline.
The Terrace with Serpentine Bench
This terrace has an undulating bench that runs along its perimeter, offering panoramic views of the city. The bench is covered with colourful mosaics and provides an excellent spot for visitors to relax and enjoy the view.
Conclusion
Parc Güell is undoubtedly one of Barcelona’s most famous parks, attracting millions of visitors every year. Its unique design, stunning views, and notable attractions make it a must-visit destination when in Barcelona. So if you’re planning on visiting Barcelona, make sure you visit Parc Güell!