Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
PARK
JARDINS DEL PALAU DE PEDRALBES
10am-8pm Apr-Oct, to 6pm Nov-Mar;
Palau Rei-
al)
A few steps from busy Avinguda Diagonal lies this small enchanting green space. Sculp-
tures, fountains, citrus trees, bamboo groves, fragrant eucalyptus, towering cypresses and
bougainvillea-covered nooks lie scattered along the paths criss-crossing these peaceful gar-
dens. Among the little-known treasures here are a vine-covered parabolic pergola and a
gurgling fountain of Hercules, both designed by Antoni Gaudí.
At the north end of the park is the Palau Reial de Pedralbes, an early-20th-century build-
ing that belonged to the family of Eusebi Güell (Gaudí's patron) until they handed it over to
the city in 1926 to serve as a royal residence. Among its guests have been King Alfonso
XIII, the president of Catalonia and General Franco. The
palau
(palace) is currently closed
to the public; until 2014 it housed several museums, which have since moved to Poblenou,
and now compose the Museu del Disseny de Barcelona.
ARCHITECTURE
PAVELLONS GÜELL
93 317 76 52; Avinguda de Pedralbes 7; guided tour adult/child €6/3;
Sat & Sun)
A short stroll from the Jardins del Palau de Pedralbes are the stables and porter's lodge de-
signed by Gaudí for the Finca Güell, as the Güell estate here was called. Known also as the
Pavellons Güell, they were built in the mid-1880s, when Gaudí was strongly impressed by
Islamic architecture. You can peer inside on guided visits, with English-language tours at
10.15am and 12.15pm on weekends.
Outside visiting hours, there is nothing to stop you admiring Gaudí's fantastical wrought-
iron dragon gate from the exterior.
ARCHITECTURE
BELLESGUARD
sion €7; 10am-7pm Mon-Sat Apr-Oct, 10am-3pm Mon-Sat Nov-Mar; FGC Avinguda Tibidabo)
This Gaudí masterpiece was recently rescued from obscurity, and opened to the public in
2013. Built between 1900 and 1909, this private residence (still owned by the original
Guilera family) has a castle-like appearance with crenellated walls of stone and brick, nar-
row stained-glass windows, elaborate ironwork and a soaring turret mounted by a Gaudian
cross. It's a fascinating work that combines both Gothic and Modernista elements.
