Two Weeks in Spain - May 2014 - Architecture of Antoni Gaudi - Park Guell

If you've ever wondered what a park designed by Dr. Seuss might look like, well, Park Guell is probably it. In reality, it was designed by Barcelona's most famous Modernisme architect, Antoni Gaudi. Building was begun in 1900. Originally intended to be the centerpiece of a high-end residential community, this is now a city park that is a blast to wander around. It does get crowded, even during the shoulder season when we were there. The entry tickets are timed, in 30 minute intervals that they appear to take quite seriously. Once inside the walls you can stay as long as you like.

Here's a view inside the gatehouse.

This is known as the Portico of the Washer Woman.

Lots of color and shapes. And, lots of people. Everybody wanted their picture with this lizard, it took quite a while to get this not-very-good shot.

The other side of that railing you can see at the top of the columns in the shot above is shown in the next three pictures.

At one point we were sitting along this wall, near a group of tourists being led by a guide. We overheard the guide telling his group that the reason the concrete bench felt so comfortable was that Gaudi had a workman strip naked and sit in the concrete to get just the right shape for the seat. We're pretty sure the guide just made that up. Actually though, the bench was indeed quite comfortable.

Here's the view looking out towards the Mediterranean from across the area at the top of those columns.

Click here to see more images of Park Guell in Barcelona.