Parc Guell (Barcelona)

Parc Güell is one of the most popular stops on the tourist circuit in Barcelona, and a well-deserved UNESCO world heritage site. Originally conceived as an early 20th century housing project, Antoni Gaudi himself lived here and set about transforming a barren hillside into a magical fantasy world that even Walt Disney could only dream of. It is a truly remarkable place that almost defies description and covers a wide area of parkland. It is a top pick for family short breaks in Barcelona and its architecture can best be described as a Hansel and Gretel fairytale meets Alice in Wonderland. It is awash with brightly coloured mosaic, gingerbread thatched houses and medieval style turrets.

 

Its playful surrealism hits you from the moment you arrive at the entrance, with the sight of a fantastical dragon shaped fountain covered in vivid ceramic tiles. As you follow its numerous colonnaded pathways, you notice the artistry involved in integrating all this fanciful architecture into the natural surroundings. At times it is difficult to distinguish between the natural and the man-made world. The most compelling feature of the park is the famous serpentine bench. Covered in colourful mosaic, this bench twists snake-like around a large open air courtyard offering stunning views of the city skyline. It is one of the most unique experiences to be found on short breaks in Barcelona.

 

Gaudi's former home at Parc Güell now functions as a museum displaying some of his hallmark designs in furniture and a large collection of drawings. Throughout the park there are many twisting pathways where it is easy to escape the crowds for a picnic among lush foliage or in intimate alcoves carved into solid rock. If time is short on a Barcelona weekend break, you can take advantage of an informative guided tour of the park which will highlight many of the numerous subtle nuances that are easily missed in Gaudi's amazing work.