Park Güell, Barcelona

Visiting Park Güell is an experience that combines contact with nature and a deep approach to Gaudí’s buildings in Barcelona.

The park occupies a privileged area of the city of Barcelona where, in addition to contemplating the original style of each architectural detail, you can hold in your memory one of the best views of the city.

Park Güell, a unique place in Barcelona

 

The Park Güell project began to take shape in 1900, the result of the partnership between businessman Eusebio Güell and Antonio Gaudí. The original idea was to build a residential neighborhood for the Catalan bourgeoisie following the British style of the “garden city.”

When completed, it would have 60 unique houses, perfectly adapted to the natural surroundings. However, the project was never well received by potential buyers. It’s worth noting that at that time, reaching those lands was like going on an excursion near Barcelona.

By 1906, only two houses had been built, one of which was purchased by Gaudí himself, who moved there with his father, his niece, and a maid.

Years later, upon the death of businessman Eusebio Güell, his heirs showed no interest in the failed project, leading to its purchase by the city council to turn it into a park.

What makes it so special?

The famous benches of Park Güell, covered with trencadís, one of the most characteristic techniques of modernism

 

In Park Güell, you can easily appreciate its diversity of spaces and functions. Spaces that convey the integration of nature in every detail designed to express unique symbolism.

Paths that flow like rivers in the mountains, columns that rise like trees, enclosures that evoke caves, religious monuments inspired by prehistory. Park Güell, considered one of the must-visit sites in Barcelona, will transport you to a dreamlike world where man is one with nature.

Places to see in Park Güell, Barcelona

The Staircase and the Dragon

The Dragon of Park Güell, the symbol of the park

 

You can access Park Güell through the Staircase located a short distance from the entrance gate and the Casa Museo. It is probably the most well-known image of the entire park.

The Staircase has three sections of eleven steps and another of twelve; these sections are divided by a space featuring different sculptures, such as the Shield of Catalonia, a serpent, and the famous colorful salamander, also known as the Dragon of Park Güell, which seems to be posing while contemplating the city.

The Hypostyle Room

 

After the Staircase, you will arrive at the Hypostyle Room, also called the Room of a Hundred Columns. This space was built with the idea of placing a market there. Today, it serves as a rest area and is occasionally used for concerts.

Above the Hypostyle Room, supported by its columns, lies the Plaza de la Naturaleza, which is the main point of the park. 

Plaza Park Güell

The  Plaza de la Naturaleza 

 

Its construction was inspired by ancient Greek theaters to create an ideal space for celebrations and various types of events, but above all, its main function was to foster closeness and communication among neighbors.

The Calvary

The original project included a church at the top of the mountain. That church was never built, but Gaudí, always faithful to his religious fervor, erected what is now known as The Calvary in its place.

Inspired by a surprising archaeological discovery found on the park grounds, Gaudí built an allegorical monument to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ that resembles a prehistoric structure. The Calvary is also one of the best viewpoints in Barcelona.

Even today, Park Güell is a subject of study for architects, landscape architects, and historians.

Park Güell: Tickets and Guided Tours

Tickets to Park Güell can be purchased at the park’s ticket offices; however, it is recommended to get them in advance online.

General admission costs €10, while tickets for children aged 7 to 12 and seniors over 65 are €7. Children under six enter for free.

You also have the option to purchase entry to Park Güell through an organized tour. The following options include a guided visit to the park, priority entry, and some even offer transportation.

Tour of the Best of Gaudí

This tour of the best of Gaudí is our favorite because, in addition to the guided visit to Park Güell, it also offers the opportunity to see the Sagrada Familia. It includes transportation between both monuments and an exterior tour of the Modernist Complex of Sant Pau.

Entry to Park Güell with guided tour

The best part about purchasing a skip-the-line entry and guided tour is that you will enjoy a journey of approximately an hour and a half where an expert guide will tell you the history of each part of the park and the hidden symbolism in each sculpture. You will also have priority entry without the need to queue.

Guided tour of the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell with transfers

This tour is an excursion to both monuments that includes priority entry and transfers. It begins with a guided visit to Park Güell and continues at the Sagrada Familia. The experience lasts a total of four and a half hours and includes headsets and the experience of a bilingual official guide.

How to get to Park Güell

The best way to reach Park Güell is by bus. The V19 bus from the urban network will drop you off at one of the park’s entrances. By metro, take Line 3 and get off at Lesseps station, then walk to the entrance on Avinguda del Santuari de Sant Josep de la Muntanya.

You can also get off at Vallcarca station and head towards the escalators at Baixada de la Glòria. In both cases, you will need to go uphill and walk for about 20-25 minutes. For those with reduced mobility, we recommend taking a taxi.

At Viabam, we offer you a handful of tours in Barcelona that will make your vacation unforgettable. You can go to Figueres and visit the Salvador Dalí Theatre-Museum, go to the Monastery and mountain of Montserrat, or climb the towers of the Sagrada Familia. You choose!