Gaudi and Park Guell. Part 1 of 4
Oct 21, 2023 12:37:36 #
MosheR
Loc: New York City
Park Güell sits atop a verdant hill in the heart of Barcelona. It stands as a testament to the boundless imagination and creativity of one of the world's most brilliant architects, Antoni Gaudí. While Gaudí's magnum opus, the Sagrada Familia … of which I recently posted photos … rightfully steals the spotlight, it is important to recognize that his contributions to Barcelona extend far beyond the towering basilica. Park Güell, with its whimsical mosaics, enchanting architecture, and lush gardens, is a hidden gem in the heart of the city, reflecting Gaudí's profound influence on the Catalan capital.
We arrived at Park Güell on a sunny morning, the scent of flowers and the distant hum of the city below creating an enchanting atmosphere. As we entered the park, the first thing that struck us was the extraordinary entrance gatehouse. Resembling a gingerbread house from a fairy tale, it was adorned with colorful ceramic mosaics, an unmistakable signature of Gaudí's playful style. The gatehouse welcomed us with open arms, a prelude to the fantastical journey that lay ahead.
The park's main terrace, a sprawling area adorned with vibrantly tiled benches that snake and curve like sea serpents, provided panoramic views of the city below. It was designed as a communal space where locals could gather, interact, and enjoy the serenity of nature. We took a seat on one of the benches, soaking in the breathtaking views of the skyline and the Mediterranean Sea beyond. Gaudí's ability to blend nature and art seamlessly was evident as the benches seemed to grow out of the earth, harmoniously integrated into the park's landscape.
As we continued exploring the park, my wife and I marveled at the eccentric, yet brilliant, design of the viaducts and footpaths that wind through a maze of stone columns and whimsical sculptures. Gaudí's inspiration for these structures was derived from organic forms and the patterns found in nature. He sought to create a space where visitors could feel as if they were wandering through a magical forest, far removed from the constraints of modern life.
The pièce de résistance of Park Güell was the expansive mosaiced terrace, designed as a gathering place for social events, which included religious gatherings and public celebrations. At the center of this vibrant space stands a cross-shaped plaza, bordered by the famous serpentine bench and flanked by the iconic mosaic dragon fountain. The colorful and detailed ceramic work adorning these elements was a labor of love by Gaudí and his collaborators. The dragon, often mistaken for a salamander, symbolizes the power of renewal and transformation. (We purchased a model of that dragon cast from his original mold, and covered with mosaic tiles made from the same batch he used in his original masterpiece more than a hundred years ago. It sits in a place of honor in our home as I write this.) Gaudí’s use of symbolism, fused with his unique artistic vision, was a hallmark of his work and continues to captivate visitors to this day.
Walking through the park, we couldn't help but ponder the profound impact that Gaudí's vision has had on Barcelona. While the Sagrada Familia remains an awe-inspiring testament to his architectural genius, Park Güell is a celebration of his artistic diversity, encapsulating his love for nature, symbolism, and vibrant colors. It is a testament to the fact that Gaudí's legacy extends well beyond the confines of the basilica. His influence can be felt throughout the city, with his designs gracing public spaces, private residences, and landmarks, all contributing to Barcelona's unique and captivating character.
much later, as the sun began to set over the park, casting a warm glow over the mosaics and sculptures, I couldn't help but reflect on the man behind the magic. Antoni Gaudí, with his innovative spirit and unbridled creativity, gifted Barcelona with not only the awe-inspiring Sagrada Familia but also the enchanting wonderland that is Park Güell. His enduring legacy has left an indelible mark on the city, forever inspiring those who venture to explore his creations and reminding us that the beauty of Barcelona is, in many ways, a testament to the genius of this one man.
We arrived at Park Güell on a sunny morning, the scent of flowers and the distant hum of the city below creating an enchanting atmosphere. As we entered the park, the first thing that struck us was the extraordinary entrance gatehouse. Resembling a gingerbread house from a fairy tale, it was adorned with colorful ceramic mosaics, an unmistakable signature of Gaudí's playful style. The gatehouse welcomed us with open arms, a prelude to the fantastical journey that lay ahead.
The park's main terrace, a sprawling area adorned with vibrantly tiled benches that snake and curve like sea serpents, provided panoramic views of the city below. It was designed as a communal space where locals could gather, interact, and enjoy the serenity of nature. We took a seat on one of the benches, soaking in the breathtaking views of the skyline and the Mediterranean Sea beyond. Gaudí's ability to blend nature and art seamlessly was evident as the benches seemed to grow out of the earth, harmoniously integrated into the park's landscape.
As we continued exploring the park, my wife and I marveled at the eccentric, yet brilliant, design of the viaducts and footpaths that wind through a maze of stone columns and whimsical sculptures. Gaudí's inspiration for these structures was derived from organic forms and the patterns found in nature. He sought to create a space where visitors could feel as if they were wandering through a magical forest, far removed from the constraints of modern life.
The pièce de résistance of Park Güell was the expansive mosaiced terrace, designed as a gathering place for social events, which included religious gatherings and public celebrations. At the center of this vibrant space stands a cross-shaped plaza, bordered by the famous serpentine bench and flanked by the iconic mosaic dragon fountain. The colorful and detailed ceramic work adorning these elements was a labor of love by Gaudí and his collaborators. The dragon, often mistaken for a salamander, symbolizes the power of renewal and transformation. (We purchased a model of that dragon cast from his original mold, and covered with mosaic tiles made from the same batch he used in his original masterpiece more than a hundred years ago. It sits in a place of honor in our home as I write this.) Gaudí’s use of symbolism, fused with his unique artistic vision, was a hallmark of his work and continues to captivate visitors to this day.
Walking through the park, we couldn't help but ponder the profound impact that Gaudí's vision has had on Barcelona. While the Sagrada Familia remains an awe-inspiring testament to his architectural genius, Park Güell is a celebration of his artistic diversity, encapsulating his love for nature, symbolism, and vibrant colors. It is a testament to the fact that Gaudí's legacy extends well beyond the confines of the basilica. His influence can be felt throughout the city, with his designs gracing public spaces, private residences, and landmarks, all contributing to Barcelona's unique and captivating character.
much later, as the sun began to set over the park, casting a warm glow over the mosaics and sculptures, I couldn't help but reflect on the man behind the magic. Antoni Gaudí, with his innovative spirit and unbridled creativity, gifted Barcelona with not only the awe-inspiring Sagrada Familia but also the enchanting wonderland that is Park Güell. His enduring legacy has left an indelible mark on the city, forever inspiring those who venture to explore his creations and reminding us that the beauty of Barcelona is, in many ways, a testament to the genius of this one man.
Can you read what this says? It's what you see when you enter the park, printed in one of Gaudi's inimitably strange fonts..
Do these look like gingerbread houses, or what?? Again, like La Sagrada Familia, notice hos organic everrything is.
You'll see the top of those terraces soon.
The photo, on the left, is not converging. The actual pillars are. That's Gaudi.
Ain't this a staircase to end all staircases??
Here's the mossaic dragon I described in my narrative.
A close up. We have an original model at home.
Oct 21, 2023 14:00:25 #
Oct 21, 2023 14:08:55 #
MosheR
Loc: New York City
UTMike wrote:
What a unusual venue, Mel!
Everything Gaudi is unusual, Mike, to say the least.
Oct 21, 2023 14:10:21 #
MosheR wrote:
Park Güell sits atop a verdant hill in the heart o... (show quote)
It's gaudy, but in a good way.
Oct 21, 2023 15:40:50 #
Oct 21, 2023 15:45:03 #
Oct 21, 2023 15:45:40 #
Oct 21, 2023 18:29:56 #
Beautiful set and interesting narrative Mel. Sadly, we had to cancel a trip there a few years ago but we will visit soon I'm sure.
Oct 21, 2023 19:09:24 #
MosheR
Loc: New York City
srfmhg wrote:
Beautiful set and interesting narrative Mel. Sadly, we had to cancel a trip there a few years ago but we will visit soon I'm sure.
I certainly hope you do, Mark, as I'm sure you will enjoy it. And I will enjoy seeing your photos.
Oct 21, 2023 19:13:42 #
Oct 21, 2023 19:14:34 #
MosheR wrote:
Park Güell sits atop a verdant hill in the heart o... (show quote)
Another post of interesting info an photos Mel.
Oct 21, 2023 21:16:17 #
MosheR
Loc: New York City
bcheary wrote:
Another post of interesting info an photos Mel.
Thanks very much, Brian.
Oct 21, 2023 21:16:32 #
Oct 22, 2023 07:21:38 #
Oct 22, 2023 07:39:07 #
My first reaction was that this place is really odd...to an extreme. But once you get in sync with where Gaudi's head was, your appreciation for his work swells quite a bit.
Is your model dragon, ostensibly, a close copy of the original or does it exhibit different design work in the application of the tile pieces?
Is your model dragon, ostensibly, a close copy of the original or does it exhibit different design work in the application of the tile pieces?
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