Barcelona is firmly placed in the hearts and minds of millions around the world for one, being the home of Leo Messi and FC Barcelona and two for being one of the most important Mediterranean cities in Europe. With its Catalan roots evident on nearly every corner you turn, this has not stopped Barcelona from being a hub of varying cultures, languages and traditions. The same can be said for its beautiful parks, so why not take a stroll with me through my favourite parks of our fair city:
Park Güell
Personally, no park can better personify Barcelona or the great artist himself, and designer of the park – Antonio Gaudí. As soon as you enter through the main gates of this once private estate, you are lead by a stairway to the Hundred Columns Room, an area where you can be assured that Gaudí let his imagination run free. If that was not enough, the views from this park are stunning!
Transport: Buses 24, 25, 31, 32 and 74.
Park Laberint
As one of the oldest parks in Barcelona, the Labyrinth Park was built in 1791 by Joan Antoni Desvalls of d'Ardena and is set on varying levels with stairways, pavilions and richly ornamented railings. Set over 9 hectares, this park with its adoring gardens is divided into two: the older garden in a neoclassical style and the younger garden in a romantic style, plus in order to maintain the parks beauty, only 750 persons are allowed per day.
Transport: Metro: Line 3 (Montbau).
Park de la Ciudadella
Steeped in history and beauty, this park in the Barri Gotic district of Barcelona was once a fortress that was constructed in the honor of King Felipe V in 1715. During this period, dark days fell upon the park where it was turned into a prison in 1717 and later destroyed by General Prim in 1878. Since then, Park de la Cuidadella has become a public garden and exhibition space and many of the lush gardens and stunning fountains were part designed by the young Gaudí himself.
Transport: Metro: Line 1 (Arc de Triomf) and Line 4. (Barceloneta or Ciutadella).
Park Guinardó
Set on the slopes of Turó de la Rovira is where you find this diverse park with its elegant gardens, prune shrubs and free flowing water, which all combine together to create a majestic spot. What I really liked in particular about Parc del Guinardó is the pine groves that makes you forget that you are sitting in the heart of the city, in absolute tranquility.
Transport: Metro: Line 4 (Guinardó)
Jardins del Palau Reial de Pedralbes
Like any major capital in the world, Barcelona too can have stately gardens and this geometrically designed classical-style garden is for the Pedralbes Royal Palace. The lovely flower beds, romantic bridges, awe inspiring trees gives a touch of serenity and majesty, which simply takes your breath away!
Transport: Metro: Line 3 (Palau Reial)
