Park Guell – A Walking Tour

Park Guell is a public park located in Barcelona, Spain, designed by the renowned architect Antoni Gaudí. The park is named after Eusebi Guell, a wealthy industrialist who commissioned Gaudí to create a garden city on the site.

The idea for the park came about in the early 1900s when Guell wanted to create a residential development on the site of a failed housing project. He enlisted Gaudí to design the project, and together they came up with a plan for a park that would feature houses, public spaces, and gardens.

Construction on the park began in 1900 and continued for over a decade. During this time, Gaudí and his team created a number of structures within the park, including a grand entrance, a market hall, and a plaza with a serpentine bench. The park was also home to a number of private residences, although many of these were never completed.

Despite its innovative design, the park was not a commercial success and was eventually sold to the city of Barcelona in 1923. It was opened to the public in 1926 and has since become one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions.

Today, Park Guell is recognized as one of Gaudí’s most important works and a prime example of his unique style, which combined elements of Art Nouveau, Gothic architecture, and natural forms. The park’s colorful mosaics, twisting stone pillars, and whimsical sculptures continue to attract visitors from around the world.

How to Visit the Park

There are several ways to get to Park Guell in Barcelona, Spain. Here are some options:

1. Metro: Take the metro (L3) to the Lesseps or Vallcarca station, and then take a 15-20 minute walk to the park. The park is located on a hill, so be prepared for a bit of an uphill walk.
2. Bus: Take the bus (lines H6, D40, 24, 32, 92) to the park entrance. Be sure to check the bus schedules beforehand, as they may vary depending on the day and time.
3. Taxi: You can take a taxi directly to the park entrance, which is located on Carrer d’Olot.
4. Walking: If you’re up for a bit of exercise, you can also walk to the park from the city center. It’s about a 45-minute walk from the Gothic Quarter, or a 30-minute walk from Gracia.

Note that parking in the area around Park Guell is limited, so it’s not recommended to drive unless you have a specific need to do so. Additionally, it’s a good idea to check the park’s availability before you go, as they limit the number of visitors allowed at a time.

If you are interested in visiting Park Guell, here are some tips to help you plan your visit:

1. Buy tickets in advance: To avoid long queues and ensure your entry to the park, it is recommended to buy your tickets in advance. Tickets can be purchased online from the official website of Park Guell.
2. Choose the right time: Park Guell can get crowded, especially during peak tourist season, so it’s a good idea to plan your visit for the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds. Also, note that Park Guell has a limited number of visitors allowed at a time, so be sure to check the park’s availability before planning your visit.
3. Wear comfortable shoes: The park is located on a hillside and features many stairs and steep paths, so wearing comfortable shoes is highly recommended.
4. Bring water and snacks: There are no food or drink vendors within the park, so it’s a good idea to bring your own water and snacks to keep yourself hydrated and energized during your visit.
5. Take public transportation: The park is located in a residential area and does not have much parking available. It is recommended to take public transportation such as the metro or bus to get to Park Guell.
6. Respect the rules: As a public park, there are rules and regulations that visitors are expected to follow, such as not littering, not smoking, and not climbing on the structures. Be sure to respect these rules to help preserve the beauty of the park for future visitors.

Movies and TV Series Filmed in Park Guell

Park Guell has been a popular location for filming movies and TV shows due to its unique architecture and picturesque setting. Some of the famous movies and TV series that have been filmed in Park Guell include:

1. Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008): This romantic comedy film directed by Woody Allen features several scenes shot in Park Guell, including a scene with the main characters sitting on the iconic serpent bench.
2. All About My Mother (1999): This award-winning film by Spanish director Pedro Almodovar features several scenes shot in Park Guell, including a scene with the main characters walking through the park’s iconic columns.
3. The Game of Thrones (2016): The sixth season of this popular TV series features a scene shot in Park Guell, where one of the characters walks through the park’s colorful mosaics.
4. Perfume: The Story of a Murderer (2006): This film adaptation of the novel by Patrick Süskind features several scenes shot in Park Guell, including a scene where the main character walks through the park’s market hall.
5. Tomorrowland (2015): This science-fiction adventure film by Disney features a scene shot in Park Guell, where the main character meets a mysterious girl while walking through the park.

These are just a few examples of the many movies and TV shows that have been filmed in Park Guell over the years.