Every year, Palau Güell has an open house day and the regular admission fee is waved. This year's "jornada de puertas abiertas" landed on a beautiful autumn day in mid-December. Palau Güell is arguably the crown jewel of architectural achievements by Antoni Gaudí while he was alive. Mr. Güell, a wealthy businessman, gave young Gaudí carte blanche to build his custom family home with the finest materials and to spare no expense when it came to the details and workmanship.
A highlight of any Gaudí building tour is the roof terrace. The exquisite mosaic work with imaginative and colorful tree-like sculptures and wonky floor is truly whimsical.
Easy to miss (unless you need to find a restroom) is the subterranean stable that was used to house the horses and dogs. This remarkable area has fantastic brickwork and imaginative arches and structural columns.
