Dragon gate at Pavellons Güell, Public art sculpture in Pedralbes, Barcelona, Spain.
The Dragon Gate at Pavellons Güell is an iron gate about five meters tall, shaped like a dragon to mark the estate entrance. The structure combines skilled metalwork with architectural details that integrate into the overall design of the complex.
Antoni Gaudí designed this entrance gate in 1885 for his patron Eusebi Güell, incorporating Mudéjar architectural elements into the estate. This work emerged when Gaudí was exploring experimental techniques before fully developing his distinctive modernist approach.
The dragon motif references Ladon from Greek mythology, the guardian of golden apples in the Garden of the Hesperides, a classical image Gaudí wove into his design. This choice shows how the architect used ancient stories to add layers of meaning to the entrance.
The gate stands at the entrance of the Güell Pavilions complex, which now houses academic facilities of the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Access may vary depending on university activities and events taking place at the site.
The dragon's positioning is said to align with the celestial Dragon constellation, creating a link between the structure and the night sky. This subtle connection reveals Gaudí's interest in weaving together earthly and cosmic elements in his designs.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
