Park Güell

Designed by Antoni Gaudi and built between 1900 and 1914, Park Güell is an urban park situated on a hill to the north of Barcelona. The park was commissioned by Eusebi Güell and was intended as a residential garden city for sixty families. The project collapsed and bacame city property in 1923.

At the entrance of the park is a grand stairway which is divided by a large tiled lizard. This stairway leads up to a large hypostyle hall which was intended as the park's market place. The hall contains 84 columns which support the great upper plaza - a great balcony which overlooks the city and the sea. The oft-photographed serpentince bench twists its way around the upper plaza and is decorated with highly colourful trencadís (mosaic made from broken ceramic which can be found on many of Gaudi's structures).

The park extends up the side of the hill and great views of the city are to be had. Park Güell was declared a place of World Heritage by UNESCO in 1984. I'd highly recommend visiting the park as not only is it full of beautiful Gaudi architecture but is a great place to spend a sunny day with great views across Barcelona.