There are different types of parks and gardens: historical, themed, urban and wooded. The Parc del Laberint d'Horta, also called the Labyrinth of Horta, the Jardins de Can Sentmenat and the Jardins del Palau Reial de Pedralbes are three of the historical gardens in Barcelona.The city’s parks and gardens turn it into place to live in and are also areas for meeting and interaction, leisure and relaxation. On this page you will find the list of best parks to visit while in Barcelona.
Park Güell is located on Carmel Hill. The construction lasted for 14 years, from 1900 to 1914, and it was officially opened to public in 1926. Gaudi’s design was inspired by English gardens, but he adjusted it to his distinguishable style. This park consists of many various mosaics that dominate the space. At the park’s entrance there are two small houses designed in Gaudi’s typical style. When you pass the gate, you will come to stairs that lead to a terrace above the stairs. At the stairs, there is the guardian of the park – a dragon sculpture plated with ceramic tiles. The dragon symbolizes Python, the guardian of subterranean waters.
Citadel Park is located on the northwest periphery of the old town. The park was constructed on remains of a military fortress from the 18th century that was built by Philip V. In order to build this military fortress, the citizens of Ribero had to move closer to the harbour. In 1888, this area was turned into a public park. Nowadays, Citadel expands on over 30 hectares, and it represents a large relaxing zone. In the park, there is a small lake, the Parliament of Catalonia, the Arc of Triomf, etc. Nearby the park, there is an amazing zoo with hundreds of animal species.
The Park of the Labyrinth of Horta/ Parc del Laberint d'Horta is an open space for both the locals and tourists to relax. It is located in the Horta-Guinardó district, on the slope of the Collserola mountain range. The park consists of many parts that are located on terraces, the main part is the labyrinth. It is surrounded by thick Mediterranean forest, and why going through it you are under a fairytale-like impression. The space is beautifully decorated with rare planks, and depicts a fine example of the gardening art. At the exit of the labyrinth, there are stairs done in the style of Italian Renaissance.
The Zoo is a part of Ciutatadella. The park expands on 13 hectares and it was opened in 1892. There are approximately 5.500 animals, i.e. 400 species. The most entertaining sections of the park are the one with marine mammals and the one with large primates. The Zoo also offers many educational programs for children as well as for adults. Performances by seals, dolphins and similar types of animals are organized over the summer months.
Beautiful Cervantes Park expands on sunny green area. With all its flowers and scents, the park is perfect for family picnics with children, for athletes, for running or riding a bicycle. Actually, this is a park of roses, and the idea for its creation appeared during an important international competition in the Pedralbes Palace between 1929 and 1936. Among others, biologists and experts for growing roses of all kinds and sizes took part in this competitions. In 1980, there was another competition, but this time it was open to public, and it proved to be a huge success. It took years of maintain the gardens and rose plants for the park to become one of the most beautiful parks in Europe.
