Sabbatikos

Park Güell is up a steep hill from La Sagrada Familia so we took a taxi to get us there. Built as a wealthy planned community in 1902 (which failed miserably) it has since become a city park. Once open to the public, most of it now has controlled by limited entries over concerns that too many visitors may damage the art. Luckily, we arrive just before 2pm and were able to purchase the last few tickets for the 2pm entry (only 400 people an hour are allowed into the park).

The park is covered in Gaudi’s trademark mosaics layered across several artistically styled terraces, each with stunning views .

You are welcomed to the first staircase by fountains of playful creature mosaics as you ascend to the Sala Hipostilla (an area of 80 Doric columns) which was serve as a marketplace supporting the top terrace with sweeping views of Barcelona.

Before heading to the top tier we headed to the left side to an arch covered pathway of twisting columns leading around the edge of the park.

From the top the view was incredible. The entire top terrace is surrounded by a mosaic bench which is not only ergonomic and comfortable to sit in but also serves as a barrier to people plummeting to their death by falling over the edge. Unfortunately some of Park Güell’s “Hansel and Gretel” inspired front buildings were covered in scaffolding for repairs, but there was still a prominent view of La Sagrada Familia (still under construction) in the distance.

The tour of the park was quick. After hitting the gift shop we elected to walk partway down the hill soon hailing a cab as our feet tired. We headed to La Pedrera, the next stop on our Day-of-Gaudi tour.