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Parc Guell at the turn of the 20th century was a an empty area of Barcelona that developers wanted to make into a suburb. This idea failed, and in 1922 the Barcelona City Council bought the property. They had a better idea than the failed developers: turn the beautiful hilltop area into a city park.

Antonio Gaudí took the responsibility of designing the park. His idea was to make this piece of land not only a place for Barcelonans — and Spaniards from around the country — to come for relaxation, but a place for fun and imagination, too. He made a network of winding roads that followed the contours of the rocky terrain on which this land sat.

Here you’ll encounter terrace walls whose balcony views open all of Barcelona. Into the terrace walls Gaudí built bird nests. Around the serpentine benches are colorful mosaics made from millions of tile shards. A dragon fountain meets you at the gate to the park. Bestride the gate are fantastically shaped buildings, on whose spires are painted a blue and white checkered pattern.

Once you gain entrance and are met with all this colorful wonder, the pathways lead you into pine forests and open plazas, shady walks and restful benches. Parc Guell is an ideal place to chill. I like to pack a lunch for my walks in this park, where a quiet bench can be found away from the busy entrance and grand staircase. Further into the park, you’ll not know you stand outside a city of 4.5 million. And it’s semi-tropical trees and plants attract all sort of birds, both local and migratory.

To the Barcelonan’s — and reception from the outside world — Gaudí’s vision was a huge success. One of its successes is its unique quality. Gaudí’s architecture is seen around the city, but nowhere else around the world. Here your imagination is piqued, your spirit is lifted, and your journey made a dramatic success.

Address: Carrer D’Olot in Eixample
Open: daily from 10am to 6pm and to 9pm in the summer
Transport: Bus 24, 25, 31 or 74. Metro: Lesseps. From the metro follow the street signpost for the park
Entry: free. However entrance to Gaudi’s house ‘la Torre Rosa’ — containing furniture he designed — has an entry fee.

[photos by Asia Szustek]