I was positively amazed by the whimsy and beauty of Parc Guell, built by Antonio Gaudi between 1900 and 1924. This fellow was truly an architectural genius who must have had the most outrageous imagination. Using readily available, simple materials, and nature as a guide, he created some of the most fabulous structures I’ve ever seen!
The terrace of the Parc Guell overlooks Barcelona and is spectacular enough from a distance, but wait until we go closer! The colorful, curvaceous walls were built to resemble a sea serpent. The bending curves create a variety of seating areas, where people can gather to visit and enjoy the view.
While constructing the parc, Gaudi asked the people of Barcelona to bring him their broken pieces of china or tiles so that he could incorporate them into the design of the park.
So, the colorful patterns you see in the above image are all created out of broken bits of the city’s tea cups and saucers….what a righteous recycling project!
As an eternal fan of mosaic, I could have spent hours studying every foot of this flamboyant wall. I’m guessing a fleet of artisans were set loose to create this colorful display. Some of the designs were more of a color block,
and in other sections, the broken bits were used to create a larger image or pattern {look, even the gutters are mosaic}.
I believe Mr. Gaudi shared my passion for blue and white {read on, fellow blue and white lovers, there is SO much more ahead!}
The supporting beams for this walkway around the park look curved and tilted, but they were internally reinforced and loaded to make them completely sturdy and sound.
Using locally mined stone, he finished the supports so they resemble tree trunks,
or roots that may have just pushed up from the ground.
Beneath the terrace is a grand, open room where they used to hold balls and dinners. Gaudi designed the room so that it was naturally air conditioned.
The ceiling is mostly covered with white bits and pieces, making it feel very cool and relaxing. The white is accented with shocks of colorful medallions. I loved this octopus. Can you see the whole plates and cups in the pattern, and the blue bottle that is the point of one of his tentacles?
The designs on the ceiling seemed to be influenced by the sea.
Realize that all of this ceiling is about 30 feet tall and the roof is shaped and arched. I can’t even imagine how they were able to do all of this.
Do you see the whole tea cup in the white section surrounding this sea star? And look at the color variations on the legs.
While the brighter designs easily caught my eye, there were plenty of stunning medallions in more subtle shades. I loved this simple swirl of seashell grey and seafoam green pieces.
Here’s another example of Gaudi’s lovely ability to blend nature and design. Using an actual palm frond to make a mold,
he created a full wall of them. Even the protecting barbs across the top of the fence have a natural, flowing feeling to them.
This sort of attention to detail was prevalent throughout the parc. Here, a connecting walkway is covered with a coral and white color block pattern.
Stepping off the path for a minute, all of the gardens were very natural in appearance. Look at this beautiful meadow of Lilies-of-the Nile growing in amongst the trees that were found on the property.
This carob tree was on the property before construction, so they carefully built around it, allowing it to continue growing.
The parc is a lively place and it was packed with tourists, as well as an occasional musician.
Alright, blue and white aficionados, here’s a little eye candy for you! Isn’t this window frame marvelous? I was trying to wait for the people to leave, but actually, their presence let’s you see the scale of this beauty.
Look at this amazing blue and white tiled rooftop. This is an administration building, which also, reportedly, houses the gift shop, wish I had realized that earlier :{.
I’m so glad I had the opportunity to take in some of the spectacular elements that went in to this wildly wonderful fantasyland. I would have loved to spend a little more time here, maybe I’ll venture back someday, and stay awhile.
Oh me too – just love Gaudi. So whimsical and modern – it's amazing to realize when it was actually designed and executed!!