Park Guell Tour Part 3- The Nature's Square

The park has two main sections: a forested area for housing and the part focused on Gaudi's creative efforts. There are three sections in total: Heaven, Purgatory, and Hell. The square has the second longest bench in the world with intricate decorations made from recycled materials. The bench is designed for comfort and has religious inscriptions. The square used to be a theatrical space, inspired by Greek mythology. It offers a unique view of Barcelona. After exploring, relax on the square and then have a cup of coffee. The park is split into two main sections. If you pivot away from the square, you'll notice a vast, forested area, which was originally intended for all the housings. This upper portion of the park resembles a typical park setting, and it is not our main focus for exploration. Our attention is drawn to the second part of the park, where Gaudi's creative efforts were concentrated, the square where you are, and the sections below. In total, there are three sections, and you are standing on the top one, also called Heaven. Below your feet, you have the Purgatory, and the lowest section, where we will end our tour, will be Hell. Going down these three sections was actually the walk that Gaudi was doing every day. Yes, ten kilometers from his house at the entrance of the park to the Sagrada Familia. So we have this impressive square with a massive bench all around it. It happens to be the second longest bench in the world. It stretches for nearly a kilometer, maybe a bit more. Surprisingly, it's somewhat overlooked, yet its winding design holds significant meaning. All over the bench, there are intricate decorations. Gaudi worked closely with the builders who ingeniously incorporated recycled materials, a testament to Catalan ingenuity and thriftiness. What's fascinating is that Gaudi designed the bench with ergonomics in mind, even enlisting the builders to test its comfort. If you take a seat, you'll notice an oval-shaped area for optimal relaxation and lumbar support. It's surprisingly comfortable, considering its stone construction, and encourages proper posture. Now, you can notice that the bench has the shape of a serpent, while it recalls the biblical tale of temptation. It's tamed by the presence of Marian inscriptions, giving it a sense of control. These inscriptions, like Ave Maria, protect us, blend religious motifs into a modern design, a hallmark of Gaudi's innovative approach. You might be wondering why to build such a big square. This area of the park served as a theatrical space. Picture it as a grand amphitheater, with rows of benches serving as seating for spectators, while the stone wall on the opposite side acts as the stage. Back in the day, this area hosted various performances, ranging from concerts to traditional Catalan dances like the Sardana. Even Salvador Dali once graced this stage, captivating audiences with his surreal artistry. But why a theater, you ask? Well, it turns out Mr. Guell harbored a deep admiration for Greek mythology and culture. Drawing inspiration from places like Delphi, the ancient sanctuary of Apollo in Greece, Gaudi envisioned a space that mirrored the grandeur of ancient Greek theaters. From these theaters, one could gaze upon the majestic Mediterranean sea and groves of olive trees. While our setting may lack olive groves, it offers a unique vista of Barcelona. Wow, that was incredible. Thank you, Chabi, for such an interesting tour. Now, folks, if you have some time, I highly recommend taking some time to relax on the square. After that, please join me for a cup of coffee.