Spain Trip #21: Barcelona: Park Guell part 2: Salamander, Aquaduct, Marketplace

Doug, Scott and Tom in the Marketplace

In today's blog, Part 2 of the Park Guell visit, you'll see the "Marketplace" part of the big park and learn about the aqueduct and the famous Salamander. 

Marketplace columns

WHO IS PARK GUELL NAMED FOR? Park Güell is named after Eusebi Güell, a wealthy Catalonian entrepreneur and influential member the Barcelona bourgeoisie. A close friend of Gaudí, he commissioned several of his works including Palau Güell, Bodegas Güell, Pabellones de la Finca Güell and the Colonia Güell crypt.

THE MARKETPLACE - This area is a huge area designed for vendors to sell wares. It has many massive columns that support a wavy shaped roof. Gaudí made efforts to make this space unique. Wavy shapes are reminiscent of flowing lava. The columns made the structure look like something 
out of Greece. 
Outside the marketplace there are also covered walkways with columns shaped like trees.

The Aqueduct that runs around the park 

WHAT IS THE AQUEDUCT - Antoni Gaudi designed the park with an aqueduct so people could get fresh drinking water.  He set up water collection systems throughout the park. The aqueduct was supported by crazy rock-like columns that went through the park. They were a mix of art and practicality.

THE FAMOUS SALAMANDER - A large and brightly colored, tiled salamander sits near the top of the stairs of the Marketplace area in the Park Guell. Fresh water from the aqueduct comes out of the salamander's mouth. 

Rocklike columns under the aqueduct

  As you go through Barcelona, you'll see this brightly colored Salamander on a LOT of TEE SHIRTS- Now you know the source of it. It's part of the aqueduct in Gaudi's Park Guell. 

AN OBSERVATION - There was actually very little information about the park. It seemed more as a place to walk around and enjoy the gardens that surrounded the odd looking structures. After a walk through the park, we then visited the residence of Antoni Gaudi, that sat at the top of the hill overlooking the park. That's our next blog! 

The Salamander

NEXT: Antoni Gaudi's House (Museum)