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History of Park Guell | Housing for Aristocrats to World Heritage Site

Park Guell is one of Barcelona's most-visited attractions, featuring some unique creations of Gaudi and lush gardens. Read on to find out about the rich history of one of Barcelona's most iconic destinations.

About Park Guell

Park Guell History

Origins of Park Guell

Park Guell History

In the 1900s Barcelona's upper class began growing exponentially, while the rest of Spain was struggling economically. The economic crisis created room for the growth of Catalan nationalism, which was focused on the revival of Catalan traditions and national culture. Catalan artists and architects, thus, began being favored. It is this sentiment that allowed for Modernisme to develop in Catalan.

Buildings in this new modernist style came to be seen as not only a sign of patriotism but also of prestige. Aristocrats began to patron artistes of the Modernisme. Eusebi Guell's and Antoni Gaudi's relationship began when Guell saw a window display that Gaudí had planned for glove retailer at the Universal Exhibition in Paris in 1878. Their association grew stronger and finally, in 1900, Guell gave Gaudi the assignment of designing Park Guell. Guell wished to build a housing project for aristocrats of Barcelona on a large estate called Bare Mountain. He was inspired by the British residential parks, which is what inspired the property its name, "Park Guell".




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Architects of Modernisme

Park Guell History

Antoni Gaudi

Casa Mila, Casa Vicens, Sagrada Familia, Casa Battlo and Park Guell are some of his most important works.

Park Guell History

Lluis Domenech i Montaner

His works, Hospital de Sant Pau and Palau de la Musica Catalana were collectively declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Park Guell History

Josep Puig i Cadafalch

One of his most well-known buildings is his rebuilding of the Casa Amatller in Passeig de Gracia.

Park Guell historical timeline 

  • 1900: Construction begins on Park Guell, planned as a high-end housing estate by Eusebi Guell and designed by Antoni Gaudi.
  • 1900-1914: Gaudi dedicates significant time and energy to Park Guell, experimenting with his signature organic style.
  • 1914: Due to poor sales, the housing project is abandoned. Park Guell becomes a private garden, open to the public for special events.  
  • 1918: Eusebi Guell passes away. 
  • 1922: The Guell family offers Park Guell to the City Council, which accepts the offer.  
  • 1926: Park Guell officially opens to the public as a municipal park.  
  • 1963: Gaudi's house within the park is transformed into the Gaudi Museum. 
  • 1969: Park Guell is declared a historical-artistic monument of national interest.  
  • 1984: Park Guell is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Park Guell history explained

Park Guell History, Construction of Park Guell
Park Guell History

Housing Development to Public Park

  • The housing project failed for many reasons. The plots were to be sold using old emphyteutic contracts.
  • The rather exclusive nature of the project as well the lack of adequate transport to the site, also made the project undesirable for prospective buyers.
  • The project was abandoned in 1914 and by this point, only two of the 60 planned houses had been built.
  • It went from being a housing project to being a private garden. Guell used to allow events to be held here. In 1918, Guell died. His descendants offered the park to the City Council. The Council opened the park as a municipal park in 1926. 
  • The house of the Güell family was set up as a public school, and the area to the left of the entrance was used as a nursery. Gaudi's house opened to the public as the Gaudi House Museum in 1963.
  • It was recognized as an artistic monument in 1969. The glory of the park finally culminated in 1984 when it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984.

Frequently asked questions about the history of Park Guell

When was Park Guell built?

Park Guell was built between 1900-1914.

Who built Park Guell?

Park Guell was designed by Antoni Gaudi, who had been commissioned by Eusebi Güell.

Where is Park Guell located?

Park Guell is located on Carmel Hill in Catalonia. Its address is 08024 Barcelona, Spain.

What is Park Guell famous for?

Park Guell is a huge public park that features beautiful architectural elements designed by Antoni Gaudi. These architectural elements blend seamlessly with nature, making it a great place for relaxation just as much as it is a place to explore.

Who lived in Park Guell?

In 1906, Gaudi moved to Park Guell with his family and the following year, Guell moved into the Larrard House in the park. Both men lived here until their deaths in 1926 and 1918, respectively.

Why did the Park Guell housing project not pan out?

The housing project was abandoned as there were no buyers because of the use of old emphyteutic, the exclusive nature of the project as well the lack of adequate transport.

When did Park Guell become a municipal garden?

Park Guell opened to the public as a municipal garden in 1926.

When was Park Guell declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

UNESCO declared Park Guell as a Heritage Site in 1984, as part of 'Works of Gaudi', a series of seven attractions created by Gaudi.