Horta Labyrinth Park

The Horta Labyrinth Park (Parc del Laberint d'Horta) in Barcelona is the city's oldest park, named after the Horta-Guinardo district. It is located on the former private land of the Desvalls family in the heart of the Collserola mountain (Serra de Collserola). The park features a neoclassical garden from the 18th century, as well as a romantic garden from the 19th century.

The Labyrinth Park covers an area of 750 square meters and is home to various rare plants such as holm oak, spherical eucalyptus, arbutus, camellias, irises, and others.

The park's history dates back to 1791 when the Marquis Joan Anthony Desvalls and the Italian architect Bagutti designed the neoclassical garden. Later, the architects Jaume and Andreu Valls, and Delvalier were also involved in the project. Rogent was hired to expand the park of the Labyrinth, and he designed a romantic garden with flower beds, a waterfall, and gazebos.

In 1880, a home garden was built next to the Desvalls Palace. At the end of the 19th century, various entertainment programs and social events were held in the manor. In 1967, the Horta Labyrinth Park was transferred to the city authorities of Barcelona, ​​and later it was opened to the public. The European Union provided significant financial support during the park's restoration.

Since 1994, the entrance to the park has become limited to protect it from destruction and vandals. Picnics, cycling, and various social events are prohibited, and the maximum number of people in one run is limited to 750 people.

The Neoclassical Garden of Laberint d'Horta

The main feature of the garden is the labyrinth made up of living cypresses, measuring about 50 by 50 meters. Upon entering, one may initially treat it lightly, but upon choosing the "right" path, one begins to understand that a dead end has been reached. From this moment on, visitors involuntarily fall into the peculiar game, forgetting about the heat and their problems. This game brings together tourists from all over the world, regardless of age and nationality. The only task is to find the exit, and just when it seems that the answer is close, visitors again run into a dead end.

The designer of the labyrinth park obviously had a great sense of humor. In the center of the labyrinth, there is a small round area, from which eight more paths depart. After resting on one of the eight stone benches, visitors eventually find a way out of the cypress labyrinth and continue to another part of the park. Directly above the labyrinth are two pavilions with Tuscan columns and statues of Danae and Ariadne made in the Italian style. On the third level of the Orta Labyrinth Park, there is a pavilion of nine muses, leading to a large pond with water from a natural source.

Romantic Garden Park Labyrinth

The romantic garden consists of numerous flower beds with beautiful flowers. Walking through this part of the park, visitors follow the sound of the waterfall. The atmosphere in this garden creates peace and complete spiritual harmony. Despite some unkempt areas, the park is permeated with a kind of magnetism, and every detail is filled with meaning, albeit hidden.

It is safe to say that Laberint d'Horta is an important landmark in Barcelona, not inferior to other masterpieces of the city. We recommend it to everyone!

Where is Orta Labyrinth Park?

Passeig dels Castanyers, 1-17

How to get to Labyrinth Park?

Take the Mundet metro station, green line L3, then a 5-minute uphill walk. Alternatively, take bus numbers 27, 60, 73, or 76.

Entrance:

Adult tickets cost 2.23 euros, while children under 7 years old get free admission. Free admission is available every Wednesday and Sunday.