Today we travelled by train to Park Guell which has been part of Barcelona’s landscape since 1900. Designed by Gaudi in the October of 1900 work commenced on dividing the site into a series of levels.

Initially the idea was that Park Guell would be developed as an estate for well off families to live. By 1914 it became clear that the lack of suitable transport, complex conditions for buying one of the plots and the highly exclusive nature of the Park meant that there had only been a couple of sales ( not the sixty envisaged) and so the Park became a large garden.

Following the death of Eusebi Guell the owner of the land (his home was located in the Park) his family offered to sell the land to the City Council. A price was agreed and Park Guell was opened as a municipal park in 1926.

Park Guell is one of the biggest attractions in Barcelona, behind only Sagrada Familia. Here’s the thing, it is tricky to get to, for us it took two metro trains and then quite a steep walk up to the Park. You are encouraged to pre purchase your tickets with a designated time to arrive (as it sells out) and the map you are provided with is, well, let’s just say not terribly informative.

Having said that it is a lovely park to walk around and we had a nice picnic lunch (we purchased from a cafe next to our hotel). We were happy to meander along the paths and it was wonderful to see some more of Gaudi’s work. I do love seeing art in action.

The Turo de les Tres Creus (which means the hill of the three crosses, apologies you can only see two in this picture) was our first stop and can be found on the highest part of the Park. On the original plan it was proposed that there would be a chapel here, but as objects of great historical importance were found in this location all work stopped. What you find today is a small building called a Calvary with the three crosses. Sadly this is a reconstruction, the original was destroyed in the Spanish Civil War.

A bus back to the station and a couple of trains home.

Tonight we went to The Talisman for dinner (for the second time) which we could call our local restaurant if we were true Barcelonians and enjoyed some delicious Barcelonian food.

We are edging closer to experiencing all of the delights of this beautiful place Barcelona.

Tomorrow we head to Monistrol de Montserrat