Ash
Written by Ash

Park Güell Barcelona: a Tour of Antoni Gaudi’s Utopian Vision

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Barcelona’s Park Güell is what happens when a wealthy Catalan industrialist employs the world’s most creative architect to construct paradise on earth.

Surprisingly, Antoni Gaudí came kind of close.

This stunning urban park and its marvelous broken tile mosaic benches is a must when visiting Barcelona.

Let’s take a deeper look to plan you the perfect visit to Park Guell.

What is Park Guell?

At 17 hectares, Park Guell is one of the largest green spaces in Barcelona, and it’s currently a privatized park featuring large gardens and compelling architectual elements.

Park Guell is the size of 13 city blocks and keeps watch over Barcelona from the hills above the Gracia district, offering a magnificent panoramic view of the city and the Mediterranean Sea.

First things first though – who built Park Guell?

Park Guell was conceived in 1900 by wealthy industrialist Eusebi Güell. His intention was to create a lavish, Utopian housing development in the middle of a park using the world’s most cutting edge architecture.

Cue Antoni Gaudi.

The legendary Catalan architect was asked to design 60 luxury homes for a planned community far away from Barcelona’s smoky factories – all with the latest technology and a touch of art.

In the end, the houses didn’t sell (I know, right?) and Park Güell construction was halted in 1914.

With only two homes finished!

Regardless, Park Güell was declared a UNSECO World Heritage Site in 1984 and welcomes 3,000,000 tourists annually.

park guell mosaic benches with tower

What to See at Park Guell

Let’s get one thing out of the way first, because this is essential: Park Guell is made up of the Monumental Zone and the Free Zone.

If you’re asking what Park Güell is most famous for, know that everything you’ll see in the postcards is found in the Monumental Zone which requires an entrance ticket – the Free Zone is more of a backyard garden.

The Park Güell Monumental Zone

You’ll see the park hemmed in by a rustic stone wall with its emblematic ceramic medallions bearing the name Park Guell.

There are two trencadís-speckled buildings that look a lot like gingerbread houses from Hanzel and Gretel. They were once the Park Güell porter’s lodge complete with waiting room and telephone booth.

A journey up the Park Güell stairway offers goblin shapes, Catalonian symbols, and the famous Park Guell mosaic dragon: the most famous image of the park.

It’s actually a salamander 😛

the mosaic salamander lizard in park guell barcelona spain

Further up the staircase you’ll find the Doric Temple which was intended to be the market of the estate. Its twisted columns give the impression of being on a patio built on tree roots.

Keep walking and you’ll get to the undulating Banc de Trencadis, Park Güell’s famous ceramic benches created by Josep Maria Jujol, one of Gaudi’s closest contemporaries.

Apparently this is the longest bench in the world.

Here you’ll find the massive tile-decorated esplanade and centre-piece of the park called Plaça de la Natura (Nature Square). The view of the city from there is amazing.

In all, how much time does it take to see Park Güell? Expect a full tour to take around 75 minutes.

palm trees the park guell free zone

The Park Güell Free Zone

For those asking if you need tickets to Park Guell, the answer is technically ‘no’ if you consider that the Free Zone takes up 92.1% of the park – so you’ll have a ton of terrain to explore for free.

That said, none of the major things to see at Park Güell are found here.

In general the space is more wild and garden-like similar to Barcelona’s top natural parks.

You’ll find a seemingly endless stream of sculpture-adorned paths, creeping uphill and offering spectacular views of the city.

At this public park you’ll also see some of the Park Güell’s original homes including the famous Gaudí House Museum: it was here that architect Antoni Gaudi lived from 1906-1925. 

In 1963 the house was turned into a museum about Gaudi and his life.

💡 Looking to max our your visit? Check out my Park Guell visit tips.

How to Buy Park Guell Tickets

So, is Park Guell worth it?

With a nearly perfect 4.5 star rating across 10,000+ Park Guell reviews it seems most tourists are very comfortable with visiting a UNESCO World Heritage site for the price of a pizza.

Just know that hourly visits are capped so you need to reserve Park Guell dates in advance online:

Park Guell Entrance Fees:

  • General ticket: €13.50
  • Kids (7-12): €9.33
  • 65+: €9.33
  • Disabled visitors: €0.00 (with paid accompanying person, €9.33)
  • Kids under 7: €0.00

You can grab your skip the line Park Guell tickets using the button below:

Park Guell
Book my tickets now!

Looking to add the Gaudi House Museum to your Park Guell Ticket package? You can get your tickets at Tiqets.

Park Guell Guided Tours in English

You can upgrade your experience with a fantastic Park Guell guided tour in English. This is a 90 minute tour with actual flesh and blood guides who are Gaudi experts.

These Park Guell tours run daily at 12:15 pm and 2:20 pm every day, while a third tour runs in high season at 6:15 pm.

With this tour you’ll skip the lines and have a great Gaudi education at one of the world’s best parks.

Prices: Adults €23.00, Children (3-11) €20.70, Infants (0-2) free.

PARK GUELL
Book my guided tour now

🧐  |  Interested in a Park Guell guided tour? Read Park Guell guided tour reviews from all over the world.

Park Guell Ticket Discounts Using a Tourist Pass

If you’re going to visit both Park Guell and Sagrada Familia I suggest getting a discount tourist pass.

The best pass including Park Guell tickets is the super-handy Barcelona Pass. Not only do you get skip the line tickets to Park Guell and Sagrada Familia but you also get a day pass on the Barcelona Hop on Hop Off Bus.

It also gives you 10% discounts on virtually any other attraction including Casa Batllo, La Pedrera, Camp Nou, flamenco shows, walking tours, nightlife etc.

The whole package is just €86.50.

The cherry on top? They also give you a free Park Guell audio guide.

Unsure? You can read my Barcelona Pass review to see if it’s right for you.

BARCELONA PASS
Save time + 10%

Park Guell Hours 2023

  • 1 Jan to 11 Feb 2023: from 9:30 to 17:30 (last entry)
  • 12 Feb to 25 Mar 2023: from 9:30 to 18:00 (last entry)
  • 26 Mar to 28 Oct 2023: from 9:30 to 19:30 (last entry)
  • 29 Oct to 31 Dec 2023: from 9:30 to 17:30 (last entry).

What’s the Best Time to Visit Park Guell?

In my opinion the best time to visit Park Guell is with the morning light so I advise the earlier the better.

Your best bet is getting Park Güell entrance tickets before 9:00 am and showing up about 30 minutes before to walk the free zone. The crowds won’t be any thinner during the day.

After I suggest walking back into the city. It’s downhill. Get a feel for the way locals live by having a carajillo (a shot of espresso with chosen liquor) in a random cafe. Then head to the Gracia district for brunch. You’ll have the whole day ahead of you.

If you just can’t get up then I recommend the later time slots toward closing time.

In summer I would strongly advise against visiting Park Güell between 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm as the sun (and crowds) could take you out!

How to Get to Park Guell

I break down the methods fully in my post on how to get to Park Guell, but here are the main options:

Park Güell Shuttle

01/14/2023: The Park Guell shuttle still has not resumed service post-COVID. I’ll add more info here should it come available.

Starting on April 1st 2019 the city of Barcelona offers a free return shuttle for Monumental Zone ticket holders.

The shuttle runs from Alfons X (L4) metro station during Park Guell opening hours.

The trip to Parc Güell will last 10-15 minutes and run every 7 minutes.

Taxis to Park Güell

Since Park Guell is both out of the way and uphill this is a great chance to take advantage of a €5.00 discount on Spain’s taxi app program: Free Now (formerly MyTaxi).

You’ll save so much time and end up paying only about €5.00 or €6.00 from anywhere central, a great option if you’re traveling in large groups or with kids.

In all, expect to pay about €15.00-20.00 to get up the hill from anywhere central.

For more information see how to sign up with Free Now.

Park Güell by Metro and Bus

  • Bus 24 from Passeig de Gracia or Placa Catalunya will get to you right to the gates.
  • Bus 92 connects Park Guell to the sea and Sagrada Familia but expect a ten minute walk.
  • Metro stops Lesseps or Vallcarca on the green line L3 (15 minute uphill walk).
  • With the Bus Turistic. The bus leaves you a short walk from the park.

If you’re still a bit confused on Park Güell directions drop me a line below with a departure point for some custom advice.

How to Get to Park Guell from other Barcelona Attractions

  • Sagrada Familia: to get to Park Güell from Sagrada Familia walk to the Pg. de Sant Joan – Còrsega bus stop and grab bus V19. From here it’s about 20 minutes on the bus and you’ll get off at the Ramiro de Maeztu – C N Catalunya stop. It’s about 170 meters from the park entrance.
  • Casa Batlló: to get to Park Güell from Casa Batllo exit the house and cross the street to take bus 24 (right outside the Mcdonald’s) and it’ll drop you off right at the park entrance. It’ll take about 35 minutes.
  • La Pedrera: to get to Park Guell from Casa Mila take a right on Passeig de Gracia when exiting the house and grab bus 24 right in front of the Gucci shop. The trip right to the entrance takes 30 minutes.
  • Camp Nou: to get to Park Guell from Camp Nou take the blue metro line from Badal to Diagonal and then take bus 24 at Passeig de Gracia. It’ll take about 50 minutes.
the moasaic benches at park guell with panoramic view of the mediterranean sea

Visiting Park Guell Tips

  • Book Park Guell tickets online or you may be waiting hours.
  • Leave at least 50 minutes to get to Park Güell from the city centre.
  • If you’re hungry check out my list of best restaurants near Park Guell.
  • Remember: there’s a 30 minute grace period for entry times (e.g 9:00 tickets admitted till 9:30).
  • Check out my list of things to do after visiting Park Guell to keep the party going.
  • If you’ve booked Park Güell ticket online, head to the west entrance as it’s less crowded.
  • Bring appropriate ID if you’ll be taking advantage of any Barcelona discounts (senior, children etc.).
  • Bring comfortable shoes if you’re looking to go all the way to the top.
  • Visit Park Güell in the evening for more comfortable temperatures and great sunset photos.
  • Amenities at Park Güell are overpriced and scarce: take your own food and water for a picnic.
  • Shade is at a premium so bring sunscreen in summer.
  • Those with limited mobility should arrive via a Barcelona taxi or Bus 24 to avoid uphill walks.

Related: How Many Days Should I Stay in Barcelona?

Park Guell FAQ

What time slots are available for the Monumental Zone?

You can select to enter at :00 or :30 of every hour of the Park Güell opening hours (last entry 1 hour before close).

What happens if I’m late for my time slot at Park Güell?

You have 30 minutes courtesy to be admitted otherwise your tickets won’t be accepted – plan ahead!

Can I cancel or change my Park Güell ticket booking?

No changes or refunds can be made with tickets bought at the official Park Guell website.

For Parc Güell guided tour tickets you may be able to contacting [email protected]

How will I receive my Park Guell tickets?

For both Park Güell general admission and guided tours you’ll receive your tickets via email.

I didn’t receive my Park Guell tickets, what now?

First of all make sure your tickets haven’t been caught in any spam filters. If you still can’t locate the tickets then you can email [email protected]

Can I show my Park Güell ticket on my smart phone or tablet?

Yes.

I can’t print my Park Güell ticket and I don’t have a smart phone, what now?

Bring a piece of ID (and preferably your reservation #) to the ticket windows to be given your passes.

How long should I spend at Park Güell?

Including 30-45 minutes return travel time plus an hour each for the Monumental Zone and free zone I would leave 3.5 hours minimum.

Can I access Park Guell for free?

Up until 2019, Park Güell workers didn’t arrive to set up ticket barriers at the Calle d’Olot entrance until about 7:45 am. That means it was possible to visit Park Guell for free at this time.

That said, in 2022 there is now a barrier – the Monumental Zone is free at this time only for residents who show ID.

If I haven’t booked my Park Güell tickets online will I get in?

Yes and no. After waiting in potentially long lines you may be assigned a much later time slot or in busy cases be told to come back the next day.

Your best bet for tickets in this case is to buy your Park Guell entrance at the machines at Lesseps or Vallcarca metro stations. Here there are shorter lines and you won’t risk walking uphill for nothing.

Is Park Guell OK for disabled visitors or those with limited mobility?

Disabled visitors may have problems navigating the Monumental Zone due to Park Güell’s many steps and uneven paths. Any special access requirements should be sent to [email protected]

Visiting Park Guell?

Consider me your friend in Barcelona. That means you can ask me any question, no matter how ridiculous and I’m going to answer it in the comments below.

So whether it’s Park Guell visit info or just a place to get a decently priced beer know I’m here for you.

Also don’t be afraid to join the Park Guell discussion by first like the Barcelona Hacks Facebook Page and then joining my group I’m Off to Barcelona – here you can ask any questions, air out grievances, and chat with thousands of Barcelona travelers.

145 comments
  • September 24, 2019 at 6:42 pm
    RU
    Hello Ash, Do you recommend purchasing the Guided Tour? We plan to do the park after a Montserrat tour that ends @3PM on a Monday. Definitely prefer a guide. Any other options?
    • September 25, 2019 at 11:01 am
      ashley
      Team Member
      Ash
      Hi RU, Honestly I've heard that people find the guided tour of Park Guell just 'OK' but nothing special. Since a lot of the park is simply the view and the fresh air I would say it's not mandatory (unlike Sagrada Familia)... if you're a huge fan of Gaudi and architecture in general I would go for it. If not just a regular ticket will suffice. Cheers, Ash
      • September 25, 2019 at 9:43 pm
        RU
        Thanks Ash, The tour ends at Placa de Espanya and will need to make our way to the park after. I figure around 4:30 arrival at the park. Is the time of day good? Is there an audio guide and is it helpful?
        • September 26, 2019 at 12:23 pm
          ashley
          Team Member
          Ash
          Hola, yes 4:30 is fine for visiting, not to worry :) As for audio guides, there is one available for purchase/download on the official site here. Cheers, Ash
          • October 22, 2019 at 5:02 pm
            RU
            Hello Ash, How far in advance should we purchase online tickets? We are shooting for 2-4pm on Monday.
            • October 23, 2019 at 11:17 am
              ashley
              Team Member
              Ash
              Hola! I would say to book them ASAP just to guarantee the spot... for 2-4 this is prime time so better safe than sorry.
              • October 28, 2019 at 11:32 pm
                RU
                Hi Ash, We had to switch our plans and now planning to go to Park Güell tomorrow, I don’t see tix available online, can we still go to the park to purchase tickets? Can we go to the free area without tickets? We won’t be back after a tour until 1pm. So I’ll likely be around 3-6pm
                • October 29, 2019 at 8:14 am
                  ashley
                  Team Member
                  Ash
                  Hi RU, I imagine that if you can't find them on the official site that they're sold out. You probably won't be able to get them at the park either. This is the unfortunate reality of booking last minute :( The good news? You can go into the Free Zone without a ticket and still see a lot of the pay area... but at a distance. Cheers, Ash
  • September 23, 2019 at 6:25 pm
    Cynthia McDonald
    Hey, Thanks for the great website! What are the lines like for Park Guell in November? Usually I travel in off season to avoid the crowds. I am only in town for about 2 days, and I plan on going in the afternoon after my free GAUDI walking tour ends in the afternoon (starts about 11am - 2.5 hour tour). Should I plan ahead and get tickets or wing it since it is off season? Also, are there are spots in the free zone where you are able to see the monumental portion? Thanks!
    • September 24, 2019 at 10:55 am
      ashley
      Team Member
      Ash
      Hi Cynthia, Thanks for the kind words :) Honestly there won't be summer-like lines in November but keep in mind the tickets are still capped and will probably be sold out for peak hours. There's really nothing to lose by booking in advance so I would do it anyway. Just in case. You can look down in on the Monumental Zone from the Free Zone but you'll be about 200 meters away or so from the famous benches. Cheers, Ash
  • August 3, 2019 at 4:54 am
    Anj
    Hi Dave! Thanks for this super helpful site! Travelling with my husband to Barcelona from Sept 1 to 5. Wondering if the following would be worth it: - getting a Barcelona card - getting guided tours of Park Güell and Sagrada Familia. It’s €66 each for both. Is this worth it or should we just download the app? - renting a car to go to Montserrat We are staying in Hotel Balmora at Via Augusta 5, Sant Gervasi. Is this far from Park Güell? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much! Cheers, Anj
    • August 3, 2019 at 6:28 pm
      ashley
      Team Member
      Ash
      Hi Anj, Thanks a lot for your kind words! I can't comment on the Barcelona Card without knowing what attractions you plan on visiting. Please let me know and I can advise you further. This is a museum-heavy pass that is great if you're seeing a lot of the museums. As for the guided tours... the Sagrada one for me should be mandatory while Park Guell is fine with just an audio guide, or maybe a good bit of research beforehand :) I never recommend renting a car unless it's a big trip up the coast to places that aren't accesible by transport. Montserrat however isn't on this list as it's very accessible... and I'd prefer not worrying about the responsibility of a car etc. It'll be a bit quicker but for me it's not necessary. Your hotel is about 1.3 km (uphill) to Park Guell... not too close but not far :) Ash
  • July 5, 2019 at 4:32 pm
    Dave Polys
    Thank you for mainlining such a helpful website ! Where does the new [2019] park shuttle bus from Alfons X metro station let you off once near the park ? I have seen 2 different answers, hope you know Exactly where it disembarks. Thanks !
    • July 6, 2019 at 11:23 am
      ashley
      Team Member
      Ash
      Hi Dave, Thanks for your very kind words! I haven't taken it yet but I've heard from people (and confirmed with the map) that it leaves you about 30-40 meters from the main entrance. Cheers, Ash
    • July 5, 2019 at 4:39 pm
      Dave Polys
      oooops ! I meant maintaining ! Dave
      • July 6, 2019 at 11:23 am
        ashley
        Team Member
        Ash
        No worries! I'd hope that readers were mainlining my information ;)
  • June 27, 2019 at 6:48 pm
    Lori
    I can't imagine planning our time in Barcelona without your site! Thank you. Question... I've bought the Sagrada and Park Guell combo but can only get into Sagrada in the evenings - after 6. Should we go to the Park first thing in the morning to avoid the heat (July 30/31/ or August 1) and to Sagrada in the evening? Or does it make more sense to combine them and hit the park in the afternoon? 5 adults with lots of varied interests so I'm sure we can fill the time in between if need be!
    • June 28, 2019 at 11:08 am
      ashley
      Team Member
      Ash
      Hi Lori, I always recommend doing the park as early as possible in the summer due to heat and crowds... not to mention photos come out way better with the early morning light! This is how I would do it yes, especially if you're not short on time and can fill in the afternoon with some interesting stuff. I'd recommend walking down into the Gracia neighbourhood and exploring as it's a very authentic piece of Barcelona. Ash
  • June 18, 2019 at 2:20 pm
    Vanessa D
    Hi Ash. I love your site. It has been so helpful!! We will be in Barcelona for 2.5 days. I've made a basic plan but want to know if you think I'm missing anything big. I'm traveling with two teenage boys and am trying to leave some free time each day. Half day: Arrive from Santa Pau on Friday around 2pm Head to Montjuic castle and area then the magic fountain at 9:30. Do you have a restaurant recommendation close by to the fountain for after? Day two: Picasso museum 12 Lunch at La Paradeta Park Guell around 4:30 Dinner at Tickets at 8:30 (I'm not sure if this is the right place to take the boys to and it's so early. What do you think?). I also have a 10:15 at Bar Mut. Day three: First Sunday of the month and most places that are free are booked. Walk around La Boqueria, Las Ramblas, Gothic Quarter Lunch in Barceloneta - do you have a recommendation? Were coming from two days in Costa Brava so we don't need to spend much time there. Sagrada Familia with tower 5:15 Looking for a really good, yet casual restaurant for a Paella dinner. We were going to try for the Pedrera at night but I do not want to book in right now since I'm not sure if it will be too much. We are going the first week of August. When is the latest that you think I can book the nighttime experience? I am also confused about the cable car to the castle. When I look at the site it lists three stops (park, castle, mirador), yet when I look at the map it seems to start on the beach. Are their options for the cable car, or does it just leave from one place? Also, should I be worried about the May strike you detailed? Have you been to Girona? I'm looking for a good lunch recommendation, do you know of any? I'm going to try Can Roca for lunch, but since they don't take reservations, I think everyone else in Girona will be trying the same. :) Thank you for having this site. It is so helpful to first time visitors. Regards, Vanessa
  • June 16, 2019 at 9:57 pm
    Zaynab
    Hello! Your article is a life saver, I have only started planning my trip and I leave in two days I booked tickets for the Sagrada Familia before realising there was a city pass card. So unfortunately I have to book it all separately. The tickets have been booked for 12pm with tower admission for 1pm. Do you think that we could do Park Guell in the morning? Also, what would you recommend the best way is from Park Guell to Sagrada Familia? And could we visit Casa Batilo after the Park do you think? We are staying near Urgell station, any other recommendations for us to visit? (We're visiting Tuesday eve - Friday morning) One last thing, do you know of any fresh food markets near Urgell station etc that are open during our visit? Thank you so much!
    • June 17, 2019 at 11:14 am
      ashley
      Team Member
      Ash
      Hi Zaynab, Doing Park Guell in the morning is always recommended in summer because it's the best time of the day (not so hot) and the lighting is best for pictures. I would visit at 9 am and then you'll have plenty of time to get to Sagrada. To get from Park Guell to Sagrada Familia ake bus V19 from 170 meters outside the park exit (Ramiro de Maeztu – C N Catalunya) and get off at the Pg. de Sant Joan – Còrsega stop, then from there it’s a 13 minute walk. I would not try to fit in Casa Batllo between Park Guell and Sagrada... it would put way too much pressure on you and result in unnecessary travel. Around Urgell you'll find my favourite museum the CCCB as well as the MACBA contemporary art museum... one or both may warrant a visit depending on your tastes. There's also a fresh food market just a 10 minute walk away. It's called Sant Antoni market... though you could walk an additional 15-20 minutes and get to the world famous Boqueria Market which is superior in my opinion, at least from a tourist standpoint :) As for other stuff to do... Casa Mila, the Picasso Museum, and Camp Nou would be the other attractions. I've got a list of all of the top ideas here: https://www.barcelonahacks.com/things-to-do-in-barcelona/ Cheers, Ash
  • June 16, 2019 at 5:39 pm
    Irina
    Hello Ash, We are going to Park Guell at 9 am, and then to Tibidado Park. I am not sure how much time we will spend on Park Guell but if we are there until around lunch time can you please recommend a good places for lunch in the area. And just in case also places to eat lunch near Tibidado Park. Thank you. Irina
    • June 17, 2019 at 10:31 am
      ashley
      Team Member
      Ash
      Hi Irina, Honestly, immediately around Park Guell I've only heard of tourist traps... but if you're willing to walk about 10-15 minutes there are a couple places I've always enjoyed (I used to live about 5 minutes from the park) and those would be Gata Mala and Comida de Olla. Another one that I used to walk by and was always impressed by the garden-like terrace is Restaurant El Jardí de l'Àpat - I haven't eaten there and the reviews are mixed but you may want to take a look. Cheers, Ash
      • June 17, 2019 at 7:43 pm
        Irina
        Thanks again! :)
        • June 18, 2019 at 11:50 am
          ashley
          Team Member
          Ash
          No problem :)
  • June 11, 2019 at 8:02 pm
    naomi
    You mention the quickest entrance is the east entrance - where is that / how do you get there? Also, is this to the monumental or free zone? And if going at about 445pm, do you suggest the free area or monumental zone first, and how much time to leave for the free zone if doing that first so we book the right time slot for the monumental. (And same question re- the gaudi house musuem since that has to be booked for a time as well)
    • June 12, 2019 at 1:37 pm
      ashley
      Team Member
      Ash
      Hi Naomi, The east entrance is right by the coach parking lot and you can get there using bus 24 from Plaça Catalunya. It is an entrance to the Free Zone... once you there get at 445 you can wander around for 45 minutes or so, it should be more than enough. I would do the free area first and let the weather cool down a bit and enter later... you could do one of the last entrances at the Gaudi House Museum at 530... leave there at 6... and have your Monumental Zone entrance scheduled for around 6/630. That's how I would do it :) Ash
  • June 5, 2019 at 5:08 am
    Jo-Ann
    Hi - The link to the site for PARK GUELL GUIDED TOURS IN ENGLISH was working last night but, today, the link is not working. Would you know if those guided tours have been discontinued? Thanks and best regards, Jo-Ann
    • June 5, 2019 at 8:48 am
      ashley
      Team Member
      Ash
      Hi Jo-Ann! It could be simply a temporary server issue? Today the link: https://visitenglish.barna.ticketbar.eu/en/guided-walking-tours/the-parc-guell-guided-tour-/ seems to be working fine for me. Was it a specific date that wasn't working? Ash
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