Horta Labyrinth Park is one of Barcelona's most surprising gardens.
It generally leaves its mark on tourists who visit.
It's an exceptional natural area, full of romanticism and architecture, perfect for a pleasant stay with your partner or family.
I'll tell you all about it here!
Horta Labyrinth Park: article summary
History of Horta Labyrinth Park
The Horta labyrinth was created in 1781 by order of the Marquis of Alfarrás, Antoni Desvalls. It was ceded to the Barcelona City Hall in the 1970s, after undergoing an incredible expansion in the mid-19ᵉ century with the help of architect Elies Rogent, a well-known figure in the town.
The garden consists of several areas to visit.
House and indoor garden
The construction of the house is based on a defensive tower from the XIIᵉ century. Its essence is neo-Mudejar and it is composed of a multitude of lobed arches. The garden dates from the XIXᵉ century. It is eclectic in style and features several busts, stairs, a gate and two lions guarding it.
The Italian garden
This is the oldest area of the Barcelona labyrinth. It features a central axis with several superimposed terraces, as well as several figures representing various interesting mythological scenes. One of them concerns the abduction of Europa, the myth that tells how Europa is abducted by Zeus, who has taken the form of a bull.
Egeria's grotto has several levels with circular basins and staircases on both sides. The white marble statue of the nymph represents the end of the journey.
The first terrace
From the back of the house, you'll enter the following areas: the Place des Colonnes, the Jardin des Mousses, the Petit Labyrinthe, the Grotte du Minotaure and the Labyrinthe des Cyprès.
The second terrace has a balustrade with reliefs of Deucalion and Pyrrha, giving birth to stone children, and the Triumph of Venus. There are also two temples in honor of the women Danae and Ariadne, who were loved by the gods. In the upper part, two busts depicting the figures of Bacchus and Ariadne.
The third terrace
It features a neoclassical pavilion with porticoes and several reliefs dedicated to the arts and sciences. Behind this pavilion is a grotto dedicated to the nymph Egeria, who appears to be contemplate the whole garden beneath his feet.
The romantic garden of the 19ᵉ century
It stands on a hill. Water is the protagonist here, in the form of a waterfall at the highest point. The garden is composed of other elements that recreate an unparalleled natural setting of canals, bridges, waterfalls and a faux cemetery.
How to get to Horta Labyrinth Park?
The Horta Labyrinth Park is located in the northern part of Barcelona. It belongs to the Horta district and is located just above the Ronda de Dalt, an area of modern housing and newly-built apartments. Although not centrally located, it's easy enough to get to.
Barcelona's oldest park is very close to the Horta Velodrome. If you want to get there by public transport, the easiest option is to use the metro. Simply take the green line 3 and get off at the Mundet stop.
Visit bus 27 and 76 also pass fairly close to the Horta labyrinth park. You can also take the V21 busalthough it will drop you off a little further down the road.
Horta Labyrinth Park opening times
The Horta Labyrinth is open at the following times:
- From Monday to Sunday in winter, 10 am to 6 pm.
- Visit summer (April 1ᵉʳ to October 31) 10 a.m. to 8 p.m..
- Visit December 25, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
How much does it cost to enter the park?
About the Horta Labyrinth prices, Admission costs €2.20, and the reduced rate is just €1.40.
Retired people, the unemployed, children under 5 and park residents pay no admission fee.
During your stay in Barcelona, if you've discovered most of the city, I'd recommend spending some time in Horta's labyrinth park. It's an exceptional moment to experience and you'll remember it for the rest of your life!
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