The Parc del Laberint d’Horta is a little out of the way. And it’s not the type of activity you’re going to do if you’re a tourist on a two-day Barcelona itinerary. But if you’re hanging out and bored on a weekday afternoon and you really like solid palatial gardens, this park is the real deal.
The 9.1-hectare Parc del Laberint d’Horta (Labyrinth Park of Horta) is the oldest garden in the city. The original neo-classic garden dates to the 18th Century when the land was part of the estate of Joan Antoni Desvalls i d’Ardena, the Marquis of Llupià. A second “romantic” garden with flower beds, gazebo, a waterfall and canal were added in the mid-19th century.
The garden’s signature element is an elaborate cypress hedge labyrinth. Think “The Shining,” but there’s a good chance you’ll make it through this maze alive. Visitors can watch people work through the labyrinth from an upper deck, perhaps shouting out helpful suggestions. It must have been terribly amusing for the Marquis and his friends.
Outside the maze, fans of classical gardens will love the park. The grounds are rival the grand estates of Europe, covered with exotic flora and sculptures of mythological figures. Landscape architects can dive into the work of the masters who created and maintained the gardens over the years.
The park is located at the west edge of the city, at the foot of Parc de Collserola. The best way to get there is to take L3 to the Mundet station but be prepared for an uphill walk. From the metro station follow the signs to Velodrom d’ Horta, the competitive cycling stadium. You can always take a taxi there and then walk down the hill to the metro stop for the return.
You can find more info about the park here.
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