Fantasy and technical innovation come together in the former gatehouses of the Güell Estate, on Barcelona's Avinguda Pedralbes. The beauty and color of the buildings don't eclipse the main protagonist of the ensemble: the giant mythological dragon from the Garden of the Hesperides, a synthesis of Gaudí's symbolism and craftsmanship.
Eusebi Güell's desire to extend his family's holiday home in Barcelona resulted in Antoni Gaudí's first commission from the man who would become his main patron. Gaudí worked on the project from 1884 to 1887, re-landscaping the garden and building the two gatehouses, which were intended to be the caretaker's house and the stables. The perfect synthesis of innovation and decorative craftsmanship comes to life in both buildings and the magnificent wrought-iron gate in the shape of a dragon, that connects them.
Famous for their colorfulness and forms, which are faithful to Gaudí’s most curious architectural style, these pavilions are full of mythological and aesthetic details that make them one of Barcelona's architectural gems. Gaudí's first project commissioned by Eusebi Güell marked the start of a lengthy collaboration that resulted in many great works in the city.