Why you should visit Barcelona’s Labyrinth Park

Parc del Laberint d’Horta otherwise known as Barcelona’s Labyrinth Park is one of the city’s best-kept secrets. A historical garden located on a former estate in the Horta neighborhood is one of the oldest of its kind. Consisting of both 18th and 19th -century gardens and a stunningly beautiful and intricate hedge maze which gives the park its famous name. This picturesque garden is not to be left on your to-do list when visiting Barcelona and it’s the perfect spot to escape the hustle of the city for a day.

The Labyrinth was originally designed by Italian engineer Domenico Bagatti for the estate owner Joan Desvalls, the Marquis of Llupia and Alfarras back in 1792. In 1880 a domestic garden was created beside the Desvalls palace and in the mid-19th century, the romantic garden was designed which includes impressive flower beds, gazebos, huge trees and a waterfall. The Desvalls family decided to hand over the park to the city of Barcelona who opened it up to the public in 1971.

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by an ancient medieval watchtower, The Torre Sobirana, and right next to the park entrance stands the former palace of the Desvalls family. Once inside you will be treated to over 9 hectares of breathtaking gardens including sculptures, fountains, springs, and pools. The Neoclassical Garden Is made up of three terraces and on the lower terrace is where you will find the hedge maze. When you reach the romantic garden, you will find an enchanting waterfall and a small replica graveyard which interestingly indicates that the romantic garden was built around the theme of death and the Neoclassical Garden around the theme of love.

Located on the northern edge of the city and surrounded by a large area of the Mediterranean Forest Parc del Laberint d’Horta is easily accessible by metro or bus. If you’re coming from either of our Sant Jordi Hostels make your way to the L3 Metro Line (Green) and head to Mundet. Once there follow the signs to Parc del Laberint d’Horta which is about a 500-meter walk up a slope. With plenty of places to sit and picnic the park also boasts its own café and kids’ playground making it the perfect day trip for all travelers.

Adress: Passeig dels Castanyers, 1, 08035 Barcelona

Tickets/Price: €2.23 for adults, except on Wednesdays and Sundays when it’s free.

Opening times: December to February, daily from 10 am-6 pm; March and November, daily from 10 am-7 pm; April and October, daily from 10 am-8 pm; and from May to September, open 10 am-9 pm.

The Park is open every day during the summer months of April to October from 10 am till 8 pm and the winter months of November to March from 10 am till 6 pm. General admission is 2.23 euros, children under 5 are free and group bookings of 15+ people can get a 10% discount. It’s also great to note when planning your visit that you can get free admission on Sundays and
Wednesdays. If we could recommend the best time of the year to visit it would be in the Spring when the fragrance of the blooming flowers fills the air.