Park Güell, Camp Nou & La Zona Alta - Discover Barcelona: Experience the Best of Barcelona - page 440

A few sculptures dot the pathways, including a 17th-century urn and a nude by Enric Cas-
anovas - one of the pivotal sculptors of the Noucentisme movement of the early 20th cen-
tury.
Palau Reial de Pedralbes
At the north end of the park stands the Palau Reial de Pedralbes ( Click here ) , an Italian
neoclassical design built between 1926 and 1929. The estate belonged to the family of
Eusebi Güell (Gaudí's patron) until it was handed over to the city to serve as a royal resid-
ence. King Alfonso XIII stayed here when visiting the city and in 1936 the palau became
the official residence of Manuel Azaña, the last president of the Spanish Republic. Today
it houses the Museu de Ceràmica.
Pavellons Güell
Over by Avinguda de Pedralbes are the stables and porter's lodge designed by Gaudí for
the Finca Gü ell, as the Gü ell estate here was called. Known also as the Pavellons Gü ell ,
they were built in the mid-1880s, when Gaudí was strongly impressed by Islamic architec-
ture. A magnificent wrought-iron dragon guards the gate.
Museu-Monestir de Pedralbes
A stroll uphill along tree-lined Avinguda de Pedralbes leads to an oasis of another time,
the peaceful Museu-Monestir de Pedralbes ( Click here ) . This Gothic convent with its
enchanting cloister provides a tantalising glimpse into the life of nuns down the centuries.
Parc de l'Oreneta
Just behind the Museu-Monestir de Pedralbes rise the green slopes of this somewhat
scrubby woodland . You can walk amid eucalypts, pines and oaks in a park that attracts
few visitors on weekdays. Weekend activities bring out families with pony rides and train
rides on a miniature locomotive. Various lookouts provide views over Barcelona.
Sarrià
Go east along the peaceful Carrer del Monestir for a look at some of the elegant mansions
dotting the neighbourhood. Turn right at Carrer Major de Sarrià, which leads you into the