Park Guell is recognized as one of the most impressive parks in the world. Gaudi started work on the 42 acre Park Guell (Eusebi Guell was the owner of the property and hired Gaudi to design and construct the project) in 1900. The vision was to recreate the selective British style residential estates for 60 well-off families to live in a natural, healthy environment with splendid views over the sea and the city. However, it was a colossal disaster due to the exclusive nature of the estate and the lack of proper transport. The project was halted in 1914 with only two houses being built (Guel's and Gaudi's). The City of Barcelona bought the land in 1922 and opened it to the public in 1926. In 1984 UNESCO designated Park Guell a Historic Heritage Site.
Looking down at the entrance to the park and it's two "Hansel-and-Gretel gingerbread" lodges.
Looking at the " Monumental Flight of Steps" which start from the entrance square and ascend to the Columns Room, which was to be used as a market space for the estate. Between the steps are gardens, fountains and statues. Above the Columns Room is the square and ceramic benches for people to take in the views and sit and relax. This is where the entrance picture was taken from.
Halfway up the stairs is the famous ceramic dragon water fountain.
The "pathway of columns" is a duel height structure merging the upper and lower levels. The top part was originally built for carriages to transit through the park and underneath were shaded pedestrian passageways that protected walkers from the sun.
Intricate ceramic tile work, a Gaudi trademark, can be seen throughout the whole park.
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