Barcelona: Park Guell
When purchasing tickets, you select the date and time. We chose 11am so we didn’t have to get up early but still had a good portion of the day left. Arriving about a half hour before our tickets said, we took a few moments to look around. Several trees decorated the front entryway. Seeing movement, I looked up to see several of these birds. Others waiting to enter the park said these were Love Birds. The way they cuddled each other made me think they were correct.
Upon entering, we studied a map. Looking closely, we realized that if we walked opposite of the crowds, we would quickly gain elevation and then leisurely follow the path downhill. Always looking for the easiest path…we went off on our own. The first area was built of rock. Hundreds of years old, this structure still felt secure.
Commissioned by a businessman, Antoni Gaudi set about creating a private residential parklike area for well off families. Building restrictions caused quite a challenge, but definitely not insurmountable. Situated on 42 acres, the land was only approved for 60 triangular lots. Additionally, only 1/6th of the land could be used for a structure. Placement of the house was also regulated. Views and sunlight could not be blocked in any way.
Noticing another short set of steps, we decided to take that route. It turned out to be a wise choice because at the top was a winding path going downhill. The grounds were very well manicured and spotless.
Walking paths etched through the rock created a meandering. Roads and aqueducts were also integrated into the design. The area was very serene… birds chirping, Thick brush lined our way down the hill. Several grassy areas were located throughout the park. For some reason, it didn’t click… though it’s called “Park Guell”, it didn’t register as a park. Next time, I will definitely take a que from those who brought picnic lunches. How fun to hang around the wooded are and enjoy it like an actual park.
Every vacation day, I attempt one “selfie” with hubby. This seemed to be as good a spot as any… During our travels, we come across iconic sights and that’s the only time I’m “allowed” to take a photo of us. Ha!
… and this is why! The path wound around, and we came upon an opening in the trees… what an incredible view! La Sagrada Familia stands out! When visiting the cathedral, it seems tall but until you are viewing from another vantage point, do you realize what an incredible work of architecture has been created in the heart of Barcelona…In a previous visit, which I posted about, I took photos from the other side of the valley. This vantage point seems most impressive!
So many special pieces of artwork and architecture could be found as we walked along. Always something new to look at. The house on the left, had the most spectacular view! The lack of windows was a surprise. You would think that a builder would want to accentuate the city lights and especially, La Sagrada Familia. The photo on the right was taken just around the other side of the mountain. It had an amazing view also, but it looked over a more industrial area. This was a very peaceful prayer garden. The crosses were up three rock steps… below were benches surrounded by flowers and bushes. It was pretty special…
Continuing down the path, Barry stopped to take in the views. Several spots along the way, we saw pairs of people chatting and snacking. What a great gathering place in the midst of the city.
Each building was uniquely designed… Gaudi created a private living community with a sense of peace, stunning views and personal space. Some of the buildings have the identifiable Gaudi design… whimsical and colorful.
During our exploration of the grounds, we noticed that structures with columns were always leaning. They were supportive but at an angle. This one looked like a stage. Maybe they held small concerts on this platform.
At the base of the hills, the architecture becomes more like the Gaudi inspired architecture we would expect. Still jetlagged, we were running out of steam, so we didn’t walk through this area. We simply viewed it from the base… Next time we visit, I will definitely pack a lunch and spend some time looking at buildings we missed.
Ordinarily, I try to stay away from restaurants next to high tourist areas and landmarks. Feeling a little tired, we walked around the corner and stopped at an outdoor cafe. Looking for coffee, we had decided to eat later…until we saw the menu. Our lunch was perfect! It recharged us and we did the unexpected…
We booked an Uber to get us to the Park and our plan was to take one back. Thinking it would be easier to catch a ride from a major cross street. Our plan was to walk the short distance to the major street at the bottom of the hill… Window shopping and peeking into restaurants was more fun than we thought it would be. Considering it was all downhill, we decided to walk a little more before calling an Uber. The Park was three and a half miles from the hotel… not too bad.
Passing by a colorfully decorated restaurant… the walls were full of tightly attached flowers. They were just closing up as we passed by. It looked like a breakfast/lunch place. Just past the restaurant… Barry’s favorite… a BMW motorcycle shop.
In the photo on the right, I recognized a building from the spring when Corey and I walked around. We had made it back near our hotel. It actually felt pretty good to walk and explore. With our jetlag gone, it was time for Happy Hour!
After dropping off a couple things to our room, we got back in the elevator and went up one floor to the rooftop bar. What a great spot! Pun intended… we had a “bird’s eye view” of the cathedral area.
To the left of us, straight ahead and to the right… our complete, unobstructed view. The sun was beginning to set, painting the buildings in fading light. The building on the left, was in direct line with the setting sun. It seemed to glow. What a spectacular spot to celebrate another great Barcelona day…
The best part about the rooftop bar… we only have to go down one floor to get to our room. We will sleep like babies! (Actually, we ended up going out for ice cream). Tomorrow is the day we board Adventure of the Seas, two days later than scheduled. Oh well, things happen!
