In October 2013, Barcelona City Council restricted access to the Monumental Area of Park Güell, with the primary objective of preserving this emblematic city area, which is a UNESCO heritage site, and keeping it in the best possible state of conservation.
On one hand, the idea is to protect, study and provide information about Gaudí's work for humanity, as established in UNESCO's requirements, and to offer a high-quality visiting experience.
On the other hand, the park has to remain an urban park, a place for the community and even a place for individual and collective memories.
The ticket provides access to the 12 hectares of the Park.
There are parts of the park with a high concentration of visitors. These are found within the section that has a second controlled access point, where visitors follow a one-way route and are likely to have to wait to visit them. These points are: Pl. Natura, the Hypostyle Room, the Laundry Room Portico, the Dragon Stairway and the Austria Gardens.
The money raised by this restricted access is reinvested in the park, through various projects to improve and renovate green areas, viewpoints, paths and play areas. Etc.
Local residents in the neighbourhoods around Park Güell (El Coll, Vallcarca-Penitents, La Salut, El Carmel, Can Baró and Baix Guinardó) benefit from free access every day of the year, by using a personal, non-transferable card. Registered residents of these neighbourhoods can apply for a card on the City Council website (online procedures) or by calling 010. They can also go to the Citizen Help and Information Offices in Gràcia, Horta-Guinardó or Plaça de Sant Miquel.
The Gaudir Més cultural membership also offers free access to the restricted area to all its members. For further information visit: www.barcelona.cat/gaudirmes/en
For more information on free admission for citizens, check the ‘Park Güell and citizens’ section.
Income reinvestment/Improvements in the Park
The money obtained from ticket sales in the restricted monumental area is used to carry out improvement work, both inside Park Güell and in the surrounding area.
The size of the park and its various green areas, the fragility of its architectural heritage and the millions of people who visit it every year all mean that a large amount of economic resources have to be invested in keeping this Heritage of Humanity site in good condition.
More information at renovation works status.