Arcadia Spain

It is the oldest preserved garden and one of the most charming places in the city: the Parc del Laberint d’Horta! A neoclassical and romantic garden with some Italian influences, which captivates its visitors. And visitors are specially captivated once they arrive to the beautiful labyrinth within the garden.

It is quite an inspiring place full of myths, fountains, sculptures, trees, flowers, animals… and also a good place to switch off. Its 55 hectares of tasteful gardening make it a perfect site to go for a walk and get lost for a while within its maze. The construction of the garden started in 1791 as part of an estate that belonged to a bourgeois Catalan family (Desvalls). In 1967 it was ceded to the Barcelona Town hall, so now this landscape artwork is open to the public.

It started in the 18^th century following clearly neoclassical lines, filling the garden with Greek and Roman myths such as Echo and Narcissus, and harmonious figures all through the way. In the mid-19^th century, the Desvalls family’s descendants decided to expand the garden in the romantic style, and added other figures, numerous flower bets, small squares, trees, and even a waterfall.  Both styles are present in many shapes and perfectly blended with nature.

Incidentally, scenes from 14 different movies so far –four of them being international– have been filmed in these gardens.

We love to take our students there and stroll about this historical and engrossing garden. It’s a must do in Barcelona!