Modernist architecture in Barcelona

Park Güell (Spanish: Parque Güell, catal. Parc Güell) is a large garden with architectural elements.It is situated in the Olot street, on the side of Santuari de la Muntanya avenue, in north-central part of the city. Designed by the Catalan architect Antonio Gaudí at the request of his friend Eusebio Guell. Eusebio Guell was Barcelona’s industrialist who fascinated with  the English “city-gardens" decided to finance the project. At first Parc Güell was supposed to be a residential area for the rich bourgeoisie spreaded on the area of 20 ha. The construction lasted between 1900-1914. Gaudí never managed to finish the project. In 1922, the Barcelona government bought the land and transformed it into the town park, where you can enter for free.

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The most interesting elements of the park:

• the old entrance from wrought iron and the pavilions sourranding it.
• the stair-entrance to the main pavilion. Gaudí placed in them three "islands", first in the form of cave, the other - the snake in the background of the Catalan flag - a symbol of wisdom; and the third - salamander - a symbol of Pluto.
• the Column Hall - the main pavilion, which was to serve as a market. Has 86 columns with ancient designs. In the middle of the columns there are special gutters for the water from the tarrace lockated above the pavilion. The roof of the hall has a wavy shape, which makes the outflow of rainwater much easier.
• the Terrace on the columned pavilion was called “Greek theater” by the architect. Surrounded by a very long bench, made from colourful pieces of  tiles gives an extraordinary impresion.
• the House, where Gaudí lived before he moved near the Sagrada Familia. Now it is a museum of the artist.

In 1969, Park entered the list of national treasures, and since 1984 the object is in the List of UNESCO.

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