Gothic Quarter, Barcelona
The Parc de la Ciutadella, originally built on the site of a fortress built by Felipe V in the 18th century, underwent major transformations after the Revolution of 1868 and played a key role in the Universal Exhibition of 1888.
History and architecture
The architect Josep Fontserè, commissioned by the mayor Francesc Rius i Taulet, was responsible for the urban development of this park, transforming the former citadel into an urban oasis. Today, visitors can see buildings from the old fortress, such as the chapel and the governor’s palace, and buildings from the Universal Exhibition, such as the pavilion, the greenhouse, the geology museum and the zoology museum.
Nature and leisure
Ciutadella Park is the perfect place to relax, taking a stroll through the romantic garden, enjoying the oval pond or admiring the various sculptures scattered around the park. Don’t forget to visit the Barcelona Zoo, which is also part of the park.
Within its boundaries is the seat of the Parliament of Catalonia, a must for anyone wishing to learn more about the region.
The Mossèn Costa i Llobera Gardens, created in the 1960s, occupy the site of the former anti-aircraft batteries, another reminder of the city’s colourful history.
Lovers of botany will enjoy the collection of cacti and tropical plants, a speciality of the gardens. Thanks to the area’s unique microclimate, these plants thrive in an environment with temperatures up to two degrees higher than the rest of Barcelona. This privileged location, to the south-east of Montjuic, protects the gardens from strong winds and provides ideal conditions for the cultivation of these species.
The Father Costa i Llobera Gardens are a haven for nature lovers, a corner of peace and tranquillity in the heart of a bustling city.
Located at one of the main entrances to the city, this nine-hectare park is home to La Rosaleda (the Rose Garden). This sublime section of the park houses a collection of rose bushes representing shapes, colours and origins from every continent.
Since 2001, La Rosaleda has not only delighted visitors with its more than 10,000 rose bushes, but has also been the venue for the International Rose Competition. If you’re planning to visit Barcelona between May and July, you’re in luck: up to 150,000 roses are in bloom at the same time, offering an incomparable spectacle of colour and scent.
Mirador del Migdia is a botanical park that celebrates the rich biodiversity of the Mediterranean climate.
As you stroll along its paths, you’ll come across Mediterranean plant species that reflect the beauty and resilience of our region. But what makes this park even more special is its collection of plants from the Pacific, a surprise that demonstrates the adaptability of these species to our climate.
The highlight of the park is its phytogeographical layout, where plants are grouped according to their place of origin.
The Joan Miró Park, also known as the Parc de l’Escorxador, is located in a former municipal slaughterhouse. It was inaugurated in 1983 and covers the equivalent of four majestic city blocks. As you stroll around, you’ll come across a cobbled square, perfect for events and celebrations.
The vegetation is Mediterranean, with a predominance of pine and holm oak trees.
Don’t miss the monumental sculpture ‘Dona i Ocell’ in Tarragona Street. Created by the famous Joan Miró, it stands 22 metres tall and is made up of colourful mosaics.
Next to it you’ll find the neighbourhood’s public library, an ideal place for those who want to read in peace.
Originally, in 1912, it was an amusement park in the gardens of the Bertrand-Girona family. However, when the park was closed in 1929, the landscape of Turó Parc was destined to evolve. Following a pact with the city council, part of the land was ceded in exchange for the rest being developed.
When it reopened in 1934, visitors found a world of beauty designed by the famous architect Nicolau Maria Rubió i Tudurí. Today, Turó Parc is richly planted with holm oaks, date palms and magnolias that decorate its paths. Along the way you’ll find sculptures that tell stories of the city’s past and a water lily pond at the heart of the park.
Younger visitors will enjoy the children’s area, while further on you’ll come across a picturesque stone stage that once hosted performances, a reminder of the park’s roots in the world of entertainment.
Founded in 1791, this garden-museum has a fascinating history that began with the Marquis of Llupià i Alfarràs and the brilliant work of the Italian landscape gardener Domenico Bagutti.
This park is the oldest preserved garden in the city.
Inside, visitors can lose themselves in the magical labyrinth, the star of the park, while admiring trees of local interest, such as the Himalayan cedar (Cedrus deodara) and the lime tree (Tilia tomentosa). The amazing biodiversity of Laberint d’Horta includes holm oaks, oaks and box trees (Buxus sempervirens).
Art and architecture are other highlights of the park, with neoclassical pavilions with Tuscan columns, mythological sculptures and an impressive pavilion dedicated to the Muses.
Laberint d’Horta is a journey through two different eras, neoclassical and romantic, a duality that lies somewhere between tamed and untamed nature, which lends the park its special character.
Castell l’Oreneta Park is an oasis in the Sierra de Collserola mountain range that invites you to relax in a lush forest in the heart of Barcelona.
In 1910 a majestic castle dominated the view, but after the Spanish Civil War only a tower and some walls remained. Walking through the park, you’ll discover an ornamental fountain dating from 1863, as well as remnants of the area’s agricultural past, such as an old threshing floor and irrigation systems.
Apart from its historical heritage, the true essence of Castell l’Oreneta Park lies in its Mediterranean flora. As you stroll among white pines, holm oaks and oaks, and discover shrubs such as arbutus and mastic, the scents of thyme, laurel and lavender will envelop you, reminding you of the biodiversity of the Barcelona mountain range.
After your walk, enjoy the picnic areas with panoramic views of Barcelona, from Sant Adrià de Besòs to Prat de Llobregat. If you’re travelling with children, the children’s play areas will provide endless fun.
If you visit the park on a Sunday or public holiday, take the park train in the morning for a unique ride around the park.
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