Barcelona is privileged to be the renowned city of the some of the seven seductive architectural UNESCO jewels of Antoni Gaudi. Antoni Gaudi was commissioned by his patron, Eusebi Guell to create the Park Guell between 1900 and 1914. The design of the park follows the lines of an English Garden and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In 1884, Gaudi designed the pavilions of the Guell estate, with a lodge and stables as well as a spectacular dragon gate. The Parc Guell ia a garden-city of 60 lots. In the center of Park Guell is the Casa Museu Gaudi. Gaudi lived here until his death in 1926. The house contains paintings, personal objects and momentos.
At the entrance of the Park Guell everyone loves to have their picture taken with Gaudi’s ”Great Dragon” who protects the subterranean waters. The dragon is above a huge cistern. After taking your cursory photo with the dragon, walk up to the Hypostyle Chamber, “The Sala de les cent columnes” that are formed by 86 Doric-inspired columns. It was designed as a food market and offers outstanding acoustics for live music. It supports the esplanade above it with incredible mosaic benches that generate the perfect “Vino con Vista” view of the park.
The benches in the park are in incredible sight to behold. They compose a collage of intricate fragments of Manises ceramic tile work. The serpentine bench plays an important role in collecting and diverting rainwater. The viaducts and columns throughout the park, accommodate the uneven terrain for pedestrians and carriages. The retaining walls were built with brick and then covered with stone to achieve aestetic harmony throughout the park.
The dome of the Gatehouse is covered with coffee cups.
Dr. EveAnn Lovero is a college professor and writes Travel Guide Books @
www.vino-con-vista.com. Vino Con Vista Travel Guides can be purchased at these sites
