Offering a full-scale view of the vast city of Barcelona, Park Güell is one of the most unique and impressive public parks in the world. With structural elements designed by famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, this park is a masterpiece in and of itself. Inspired by Modernisme style, the park features a rainbow of vivid mosaic tiles as well as curved, organic architecture that mimics flowery shapes and patterns—a significant step away from the Gothic style’s pointed arches and sharp, linear contours. All this being said, the park’s breathtaking view comes at a cost. Visitors must be prepared for sore feet and aching muscles, as this attraction includes a lot of hills and even more stairs. Our group joked that these stairs were ascending to heaven. As we walked, it seemed there was no end in site, just endless stairs stretching as far as the eye could see.
Originally intended to be a wealthy housing development, Park Güell was officially opened as a municipal park in 1926. At the start of its construction, Gaudí moved there to live with his father and niece, and his home can still be viewed within the park as a museum. His home, much like the rest of the park, is whimsical and unusual. Many of the structures looked as if they were one with the earth itself.
In addition to the towering views and blooming gardens, the park is also filled with vendors selling tchotchkes ranging from hand-held fans to magnets to bird whistles—a perfect opportunity to collect souvenirs for loved ones back home. We were able to pick up a bracelet made by a local jeweler with a charm inspired by the symbol of the city Panot. You can find this symbol in the pavements all over Barcelona.
Authors:
Hunter Mattes
Hunter Mattes is a rising sophomore visual communications major from Fort Mill, South Carolina. She spends her free time reading new books, writing in her journals, and baking cookies.
James Agens
James is a rising senior communication major with a minor in health promotion. He was raised in Columbia, South Carolina and enjoys spending his time trying new things like traveling and tasting foods from around the world.
Anna Ottinger
Anna is a rising senior visual communications major with a minor in studio art from Charleston, SC. She loves visiting new places, trying new foods and visiting museums.
Ava Rossini
Ava Rossini is a rising junior journalism major with a minor in English. She is from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and is an avid movie-goer and reading enthusiast.
Amari Edwards
Amari Edwards is a rising senior advertising major with a minor in art studio. She is from Greenville, South Carolina. Amari loves to try new foods, listen to music and travel.