Casa del Guarda—the fairy tale gatehouse you'll fall in love with at Park Güell

Casa del Guarda is the quaint caretaker’s house nestled right inside Park Güell, designed by Antoni Gaudí himself. Imagine a tiny, whimsical cottage straight out of a fairy tale, where the park’s guardian once lived. It’s a real piece of history and a perfect showcase of Gaudí’s signature style—colorful tiles, curved shapes, and nature-inspired details.

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Where is Casa del Guarda?

You’ll find Casa del Guarda right at one of the most iconic spots in Park Güell—tucked beside the park’s main entrance staircase, just across from the famous El Drac, the colorful mosaic lizard that’s a celebrity in tile form.

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It’s built into the right-hand gatehouse at the park’s monumental entrance on Carrer d’Olot.

If you're standing at the base of the grand staircase looking up, Casa del Guarda is on your right side. Its twisted roof and mosaic chimney are easy to spot.

Directions to Park Guell

Why go inside the Casa del Guarda

Colorful mosaic-covered buildings at Park Güell, Barcelona, showcasing Gaudí's unique architectural style.

What is Casa del Guarda?

  • Built between 1903 and 1910, Casa del Guarda was the home of the park’s caretaker, who was responsible for protecting the grounds and keeping the park in order during its early days.
  • It’s not just a house; it’s a symbol of the park’s history and the human side behind Gaudí’s grand vision.
Casa del Guarda in Park Guell, Barcelona, showcasing unique stone architecture and mosaic details.

A miniature Gaudí masterpiece

  • The house was designed by Gaudí in the Catalan Modernisme style—think organic shapes, colorful mosaic tiles, irregular stone walls, and curvy, flowing lines that mimic natural forms like trees and waves.
  • Even though it’s small, every corner bursts with artistic details that show Gaudí’s genius for blending architecture and nature.
Trace the Antoni Gaudí and Eusebi Güell legacy
Park Guell's iconic mosaic structures in Barcelona, Spain, with vibrant colors and unique architecture.

Step inside a fairy-tale home

  • Inside, you’ll find rustic wooden beams that look like tree branches, windows shaped like leaves, and stone walls that feel like part of the forest. It’s cozy but filled with imagination.
  • The chimney is a standout: covered in broken ceramic tiles in bright colors, it looks like a sculptural artwork topping the house like a crown.

What’s inside Casa del Guarda?

Casa del Guarda rooftop in Park Güell, Barcelona, with cityscape and sea in the background.
Curved blue and white walls inside Casa del Guarda, Park Güell, Barcelona.
Details on Casa del Guarda
Panoramic view from Greek Theatre of Park Guell
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Whimsical roof & chimney

The curvy roof, dressed in vibrant green and orange tiles, looks like it belongs to a gingerbread house—but better. The mosaic chimney is a colorful crown that’s practically begging for a selfie.

Cozy interiors

Step inside to find a snug space with natural stone walls, wooden rafters shaped like tree branches, and windows that frame bits of Park Güell’s winding paths. It’s rustic meets fairy tale, with a hint of eccentric genius.

Know what not to miss inside Park Güell

Nature-inspired details

From the curved doorways that mimic tree trunks to the playful tile mosaics on the walls, everything here echoes Gaudí’s love for organic shapes and natural forms. It’s like the house grew out of the ground itself.

Views & vibes

The windows aren’t just pretty—they offer postcard views of the park’s famous serpentine bench and lush greenery. It’s the perfect spot to pause and soak in Gaudí’s green kingdom.

Navigating your way inside the Casa del Guarda

How long should you stay? 20 to 30 minutes is just right to savor all the quirks and charm without feeling rushed.

More about Park Güell's opening hours >

Your mini-itinerary:

  • Entrance porch: Start here and admire the glittering mosaics and playful details that welcome you inside.
  • Main room: Explore the cozy, nature-inspired interior with its hand-shaped beams and natural stone textures.
  • Chimney & windows: Head up to see the mosaic chimney from close up, then linger by the windows for those envy-worthy park views.
  • Surrounding garden: Don’t miss the tiny garden with native plants, it’s part of Gaudí’s vision, blending architecture and nature.

Pro tip: Pair this visit with a stroll through the nearby Monumental Zone for a full-on Gaudí immersion. And if you want the full experience with historical tidbits, go for the skip-the-line guided tours.

Frequently asked questions about Casa del Guarda

Do I need to buy Casa del Guarda tickets

No, you don’t need to buy separate Casa del Guarda tickets.

Can you tour inside Casa del Guarda?

Yes! Visitors can explore the interior during Park Güell’s opening hours for free. But be aware that the place can get crowded quickly.

What makes Casa del Guarda special?

Its architectural style is a miniature masterpiece of Gaudí’s Modernisme, full of whimsical details and mosaics.

Is Casa del Guarda wheelchair accessible?

Unfortunately, the house’s narrow, uneven floors make it challenging for wheelchair access.

Are photos allowed inside?

Photography is permitted, so bring your camera for those colorful mosaics and quirky details.

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