Designed by Antoni Gaudi, Park Guell is a public park located on Carmel Hill in Barcelona, Spain.
Built-in the early 20th century, Park Guell combines nature and artistry beautifully, highlighting Gaudi’s unique Catalan modernist style.
The park is divided into the Monumental Zone and the Forest Zone.
12 of the 19 hectares of Park Guell are designated as the monumental zone, where the most important and iconic features are located.
It stands as the core attraction of the park and is home to some of the most iconic Gaudi monuments, including the Dragon Stairway, El Drac, and the stunning Hypostyle Room.
The monumental zone is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist attraction as it brings a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
This article will cover all the essential information about the Park Guell Monumental Zone, including tickets, opening hours and directions.
Things to Know about Park Guell Monumental Zone
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Address: C/d’Olot, Gràcia, 08024 Barcelona, Spain
Map:
Opening hours: 9.30 am to 5.30 pm every day
Best time to visit: Early Morning
Suggested Duration: Four Hours
Closest Subway: Vallcarca
Things to See at Park Guell Monumental Zone
Park Guell Monumental Zone is a must-visit attraction in Barcelona, Spain
The Monumental Zone is the park’s most popular part and has most of Gaudi’s work in Park Guell.
You can admire Gaudi’s most recognizable works, like:
Porter’s Lodge Pavilion
The Porter’s Lodge Pavilion is located at the main entrance of Park Güell in Barcelona.
The left building was originally the Porter’s Lodge and now serves as a small museum detailing the evolution of Park Güell.
The pavilion features a waiting room and a telephone booth, and its exterior is adorned with trencadís, a mosaic made of tile shards.
The right pavilion, once the porter’s residence, is now part of the Barcelona History Museum.
Both pavilions are known for their beautiful roofs, built with traditional Catalan clay tiles covered with trencadís.
The Dragon Stairway
It is a prominent feature at Park Guell, adorned with a dragon or salamander and covered with traditional tile-shard mosaics.
The Dragon Stairway, also known as the Park Güell Lizard, is an imposing structure covered in colorful ceramic mosaics and supported by lizard-shaped columns.
The staircase is one of the park’s main attractions, and it leads to the central features of the park.
The iconic “El Drac” (the dragon in Catalan) is a popular spot for visitors to take photos due to its vibrant mosaic design and symbolic significance.
It is divided into three sections, with the first landing decorated with shapes such as goblins.
Hypostyle Room
It is a vast space supported by 86 doric-style columns, with a ceiling of small domes made of traditional clay bricks.
The ceiling is adorned with mosaic circles representing the four seasons and lunar cycles.
The room was intended to be a marketplace, but the building project was never completed due to insufficient funds.
Its columns and the undulating bench are decorated with colorful mosaic tiles, and the room features a unique water recovery system.
The Hypostyle Room is a remarkable example of Catalan modernism and Gaudí’s architectural ingenuity and is a focal point of Park Güell.
The Greek Theatre
It was designed to host open-air shows and is bounded by benches covered with tile shard decorations.
The area is also known as Placa de la Natura, or Nature Square, and is used for various events and performances.
The Greek Theatre is an artificial square that is partly dug into the rock and partly held up on top of the hypostyle room.
The Laundry Room Portico
The Laundry Room Portico, also known as the Washerwoman’s Portico, is a significant feature in Park Güell, Barcelona.
This is the first example of organic architecture as a sign of Gaud’s organic vision. The portico takes its name from the sculpted figure on one of the columns.
This structure provides a panoramic view of the city, framed by a colorful mosaic bench that divides the structure into two parts.
It is a unique architectural feature within the Park Guell Monumental Zone and is situated on the eastern side of the Greek Theatre Square.
A spiral staircase leads to Count Guell’s house at the end of a pathway.
If you’re an art and architecture enthusiast or just love being surrounded by nature, Park Guell’s Monumental Zone in Barcelona is a must-visit.
Gather your friends or family and set out on a memorable tour of this iconic site.
Park Guell Monumental Zone Tickets
The ticket prices to visit the Monumental Zone of Park Guell are as follows:
| Visitors Age | Ticket Price |
|---|---|
| Adult ticket (13 to 64 years) | €14 |
| Student ticket (6 to 12 years) | €10 |
| Senior ticket (65+ years) | €10 |
| Child ticket (up to 5 years) | Free |
Monumental Zone Park Guell tickets can be purchased at the entrance and booked in advance.
Getting your tickets in advance is recommended to avoid sell-outs and excessive crowds.
Getting to Park Guell Monumental Zone
You can use public transportation or walk from the nearest metro stations to reach the Park Guell Monumental Zone. Here are the options:
Public Transportation
- Metro: Take the green line (L3) and get off at either Lesseps or Vallcarca stations.
- Bus: You can take bus lines H6, D40, 24, or 92, which have stops near the park’s main entrance
On Foot from Metro
- From Lesseps Metro Stop: It is a 20-minute walk to the park’s entrance on Avinguda del Santuari de Sant Josep de la Muntanya.
- From Vallcarca Metro Stop: Take the escalator on Baixada de la Gloria and head to the entrance on Avinguda del Santuari de Sant Josep de la Muntanya
Other Options
- Taxi: Taxis are also available for reaching the park
- Private Vehicle: If you’re arriving by private vehicle, a car park is available with access via the BSM Travessera de Dalt – Park Guell car park.
Read our detailed article on how to reach Park Guell to find out some quick and convenient routes and transport options.
Additional Tips to Visit Zone Monumental Park Guell
When visiting the Park Guell Monumental Zone, consider the following tips to make the most of your experience:
Book Tickets in Advance: Purchase your tickets online beforehand to avoid long lines and ensure entry into the Monumental Zone.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: The park features hilly terrain and uneven pathways, so wearing comfortable footwear is important.
Respect the Rules: To protect the park’s architectural and natural features, follow the guidelines, such as not climbing on the structures or leaning against the walls.
Bring Water and Snacks: It’s a good idea to bring water and snacks, especially if you plan to spend a few hours exploring the park.
Visit the Gaudi House Museum: Consider visiting the Gaudi House Museum located within the park to learn more about Antoni Gaudí’s life and work.
Be Mindful of Closing Times: Check the park’s closing times and plan your visit accordingly to ensure you have enough time to explore.
Capture Memories: Don’t forget your camera or smartphone to capture the park’s beauty and create lasting memories of your visit.
Monumental Zone Vs Free Zone
The Monumental and Free Zone are two distinct areas within Park Guell, each offering visitors a different experience.
Monumental Zone
This area covers approximately 5% of Park Guell and the park’s main attractions, including Gaudí’s most recognizable works.
It features several iconic attractions, including the Dragon Stairway, the Hypostyle Room, the Greek Theatre, the Laundry Room, and the Porter’s Lodge Pavilion.
The area also includes the Porter’s Lodge Pavilion, which serves as the entrance to the Monumental Zone and houses a visitor center and gift shop.
Additionally, the Dragon Stairway, featuring the famous reptilian sculpture “El Drac,” is a highlight of the Monumental Zone.
It requires a paid ticket to enter and is regulated to prevent overcrowding, allowing a maximum of 400 people every half hour.
Forest Zone
The Free Zone covers the remaining areas of Park Guell that are not part of the Monumental Zone.
The area surrounds the Monumental Zone, and you must buy a ticket to enter. It includes a forest area and is popular for relaxation and sports activities.
In this area, visitors can also enjoy leisurely walks through lush green spaces, take in scenic views of Barcelona, and explore various paths and trails.
In addition to well-kept, undisturbed vegetation, the free zone includes the Gaudi House Museum, which is well worth a visit.
Access to the Free Zone is open to the public and does not require a ticket.
Visitors can enjoy walking around and exploring the Viaducte or the Turó de les Tres Creus at the park’s top.
Note: The Gaudi Museum is in the Forest Zone outside the Monumental Core.
Schedule your trip so that you can see the Monumental Core either before or after the Gaudi Museum.
This is because once you step outside, you will be unable to return to the Monumental Core.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Monumental Zone
The Park Guell Monumental Zone is a part of Park Guell, a public park in Barcelona, Spain, designed by the renowned architect Antoni Gaudi.
It is known for its vibrant and whimsical architectural elements, including the famous mosaic dragon and the Hypostyle Room.
The Monumental Zone features some of Gaudi’s most recognizable and stunning creations, like the Hypostyle Room, the Dragon Staircase, and the mosaic benches.
If you’re interested in architecture or just appreciate visually stunning places, it’s definitely worth a visit.
The Monumental Zone has iconic landmarks like the Porter’s Lodge Pavilion, the Dragon Stairway with the famous mosaic dragon, and the Hypostyle Room filled with beautiful columns.
Yes, Park Guell is a fantastic park for families, as it has lots of fun things to see and do for people of all ages.
The friendly dragon, colorful architecture, and the park’s overall design make it an enjoyable destination for families with children.
Yes, guided tours and special language tours are available for visitors who want to explore the Park Guell Monumental Zone with the insights of a knowledgeable guide.
You can purchase the tickets onsite at the museum’s door or book them online in advance.
The Park Guell is divided into two main zones: the Monumental Zone and the Forest Zone.
The Monumental Zone is the paid area of the park and is the main area to visit, whereas the Forest Zone is free to enter and offers a space for relaxation and sports activities.
While there are designated areas in the park where visitors can enjoy food and drinks, they may be restricted in certain areas, like near the mosaic structures or enclosed spaces.
It’s advisable to check for signage indicating where food and drink consumption is permitted.
The best-known part of Park Guell is the Monumental Zone. It includes sculptures, fountains, and the Plaza de la Natura serpentine bench.
It’s also home to Gaudí’s famous mosaic lizard, which has also become the park’s emblem.
The time it takes to explore the Monumental Zone of Park Guell varies, but the average time for visiting this area is around 60 to 90 minutes.
You must purchase separate tickets to visit the Monumental Zone of Park Guell.
The Monumental Zone of Park Guell is best visited in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a quieter experience.
Additionally, the morning or evening sunlight provides the best light for exploring and taking photos.
Buying tickets for Park Guell 5–10 days in advance is recommended, especially during the high season when tickets tend to sell out.
However, tickets can be reserved up to three months in advance by selecting your preferred date and time slot.
Additionally, each person can buy a maximum of seven tickets per transaction.