The Finca Güell, or country estate of Eusebi Güell, features three works by Antoni Gaudí, the industrialist's favorite architect. Still on a private estate, they can only be viewed from the street but that doesn't detract from the impact they have upon the viewer. Eusebi Güell asked Gaudí to create an entrance gate, a gatehouse, and stables. The first is probably one of the most stunning pieces of wrought-iron work in the world. Locally known as the Drac de Pedralbes (the Dragon of Pedralbes), a huge reptile literally jumps out at you, his tongue extended and ready to attack. The dwellings are no less powerful. Like the Casa Vicens, they were designed early in Gaudí's career, when he was influenced by Islamic architecture, and feature turrets and white walls contrasted with brightly colored tiles. The pavilion on the right houses a library and Gaudían research center. Gaudí took inspiration for the finca from the Greek myth of Hesperides. The ominous dragon is a metaphor for the beast that Hercules battled, and although they are a tad run down, the gardens behind the gate used to be lush and full of citrus trees -- the legendary gardens of Hesperides themselves.

Copyright: Excerpted from Frommer's Barcelona, 3rd Edition, (c) 2008, Wiley Publishing, Inc.

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