Pavellons de la Finca Güell marked the beginning of one of the longest-lasting and most fruitful patronage relationships in 20th-century Catalan art, between Antoni Gaudí and Eusebi Güell. Built between 1884 and 1887 on Avinguda de Pedralbes, these buildings form part of the monumental entrance to the Güell family’s summer estate, which no longer exists. The architect designed the gardens, the perimeter wall, the entrance gates and two pavilion buildings intended to serve as the entrance lodge and the stables. Pavellons Güell have been a National Historic-Artistic Monument since 1969.

The most iconic feature of the site is the large wrought-iron gate at the main entrance, shaped like a dragon. Like the one described by Jacint Verdaguer in his poem L'Atlàntida, this dragon represents the guardian of the mythical Garden of the Hesperides. Over time, this figure has become one of the most recognisable images in Gaudí’s world.

Two pavilions have been preserved within the grounds. On one side is a small but imposing gatehouse, whose octagonal plan, lantern-topped dome and combination of brick, stone and ceramic make it stand out. On the other side, in the stables, there is a structure featuring parabolic arches and a Catalan vault, and a riding arena topped by a circular dome. The roofs, covered with a primitive trencadís technique, and the richly ornamented façade foreshadow features that Gaudí would develop in later projects.

Not only did this early work impress Eusebi Güell, but it also laid the foundations for a unique and distinctive architectural language. Gaudí experimented with forms and material structures on the Pavellons Güell that would later become distinctive features of his work.