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The famous Park Güell bench—why Gaudí's serpentine design is pure genius

​Park Güell in Barcelona is nothing short of a whimsical wonderland, dreamed up by the ever-imaginative Antoni Gaudí. Among all the jaw-dropping features throughout the park, the Serpentine Bench steals the spotlight. This colorful, curvy mosaic marvel wraps around the main plaza like a giant, artsy snake basking in the sun. Find out what makes the Park Güell Serpentine Bench so iconic right away.

​Plan ahead for Park Güell

What is the Park Güell Serpentine Bench?

Serpentine Bench

Here’s why the Serpentine Bench at Park Güell is such a showstopper:

  • It's a 110-meter mosaic marvel that snakes around Nature Square, designed to be sat on, not just stared at. Its ergonomic shape makes it surprisingly comfortable, proving Gaudí thought of everything.
  • Created using the “trencadís” technique, where broken ceramic tiles are turned into dazzling patterns—upcycling has never looked this good.
  • It’s one of the most photographed spots in Barcelona, right up there with El Drac. Bursting with color, curves, and creativity, it’s impossible not to stop and stare and then snap at least 20 photos.
Everything explained about the famed Gaudí Lizard (El Drac)

Why visit Park Güell Serpentine Bench?

Iconic masterpiece

The Serpentine Bench at Park Güell is one of Barcelona's most iconic monuments, located in the Nature Square above the Hypostyle Room. Its distinctive mosaic design and elongated shape make it instantly recognizable and a must-see attraction for visitors to the park.

Record-breaking Length

Stretching an impressive 110 meters, the Park Güell Serpentine Bench holds the title of the longest corrugated bench in the world. Its considerable length, winding through the park, allows plenty of space for visitors to relax and enjoy the panoramic views of Gaudí's creations and the city beyond.

Ergonomic comfort

What sets the Park Güell bench apart is not just its length but also its ergonomic design, carefully crafted for comfort. The curvature and organic shape of the bench offer a unique experience, allowing you to rest during your long walks through the Barcelona Park Güell.

Artistic technique

Adorned with intricate mosaic patterns created using the "trencadis" technique, the Serpentine Bench is a testament to the artistic genius of Antoni Gaudí and his disciple Josep Maria Jujol i Gibert. The vibrant colors and imaginative designs reflect the rich artistic heritage of Catalan Modernism, making it a feast for the eyes!

Who built the Park Güell bench?

People on the stairs of Park Guell
  • While Antoni Gaudí gets most of the credit for Park Güell, the Park Güell Serpentine Bench wasn’t a solo act.
  • Gaudí teamed up with Josep Maria Jujol, a maestro of trencadís—the Catalan mosaic art made from broken ceramics.
  • Gaudí envisioned the flowing, organic form of the bench, but it was Jujol’s bold and playful mosaic work that made it truly pop. Their collaboration turned a bench into a technicolor masterpiece that is equal parts comfort and creativity.
  • So, while the curves are Gaudí’s, the colors are all Jujol, making the bench a shared gem in Park Güell’s treasure trove.
Read more on Park Güell's architecture & design

Frequently asked questions about Park Güell bench

The Park Güell Serpentine Bench wraps around Nature Square, also known as the Greek Theatre. It’s one of the most iconic and central features in the Monumental Zone of Park Güell.

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