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Visiting the Horta Labyrinth

The Horta Labyrinth is a must-visit for those who enjoy green spaces rich in history and art. Located in Horta-Guinardó, this garden combines Neoclassical and Romantic styles, offering visitors a glimpse into the contrasts between these two periods. Below, we’ll explore its history, design, and the surrounding area.

History

The Horta Labyrinth is Barcelona’s oldest garden, dating back to the 18th century. Situated at the foot of the Collserola mountain range, it was created as part of the estate of Marquis Joan Antoni Desvalls i d’Ardena. The project, designed by Italian landscape architect Domenico Bagutti, began in 1794 and was completed in 1808. Initially created in a Neoclassical style, as the garden underwent renovations, newer Romantic elements were added, allowing the two styles to coexist beautifully today. In the 1970s, it became public property and was converted into a museum garden by the city council.

Design

When the garden transitioned from a private space to a public museum, there was a clear objective: to emphasize the coexistence of Neoclassical and Romantic styles, as the main ideals of each are quite different. The Neoclassical section revolves around love, aiming to bring nature closer to all who enter, with elements of Greek culture and rich biodiversity. The Romantic section, on the other hand, focuses on themes of death and philosophy, featuring somewhat eerie spaces, like a mock cemetery.

The park has three levels: the lower level with mostly Romantic elements, the middle level where the labyrinth is located, and the upper level featuring Neoclassical elements. Each level also includes playground areas and picnic tables, making it enjoyable for the whole family.

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Architectural elements

Throughout the park, there are numerous architectural elements that represent the period and the messages it sought to convey.

The Desvalls Palace, the medieval residence of the Marquis, now serves as a training center for courses in gardening and landscape design. It is surrounded by other gardens, such as the Bojes Garden, named after the circular shrubs that define it.

There are numerous classical pavilions and temples designed by the original architect, showcasing Neoclassical style with mythological statues inside. In the Romantic section, there’s the hermit’s cabin and remnants of oriental elements that have faded over time, like the Chinese gate, which once marked the beginning of the oriental garden.

The upper level also has a viewpoint above the labyrinth, where you’ll find pavilions with statues of Danaë and Ariadne.

Sculptures

The Neoclassical section of the park is particularly rich in sculptures. These sculptures represent Greek mythology, such as the myth of Theseus and the Minotaur, referenced in the labyrinth itself. Some notable sculptures include:

Eros: At the center of the labyrinth stands a statue of the god of love, surrounded by cypress trees that form the labyrinth walls.

Echo and Narcissus: These statues refer to the nymph Echo, who was condemned to repeat the last words of others, and the myth of Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection.

Ariadne: Located in the Belvedere pavilion on the upper level, this statue represents the figure who helped Theseus escape the labyrinth after defeating the Minotaur.

Danaë: Also located in a Belvedere pavilion, this statue represents the mother of Perseus.

Nymph Egeria: This isn’t a statue but rather a grotto. Situated on the upper level, it is surrounded by water features like pools and ponds, symbolizing wisdom and the connection to water.

Water features

The Horta Labyrinth is filled with water features, including waterfalls, ponds, and even a canal. The sounds of moving water help visitors momentarily forget they are in the city. These features are often accompanied by other decorations, highlighting key areas in the park and strategically guiding visitors.

One of the most eye-catching attractions is the waterfall on the park’s upper level. This waterfall in the Romantic section feeds a stream that borders the entire garden.

In front of the Nymph Egeria grotto, there’s a pool adorned with mythological elements like a triton head, connecting mythological figures to water.

The canal, built in 1853 to symbolize the transition from Neoclassical to Romantic styles, runs through several key areas of the park, visually connecting the garden’s different levels. Additionally, there are several fountains scattered around the park near the mythological sculptures.

These water features not only have aesthetic value but also attract biodiversity to the park, particularly various bird species.

Biodiversity

The park boasts a wide variety of flora and fauna. Thanks to the park’s two architectural styles, there are trees, shrubs, and plants that align with each style’s ideals, including holm oaks, sequoias, pines, oaks, and the cypress walls forming the labyrinth.

Due to the park’s proximity to the Collserola mountain range, wildlife like red squirrels, bats, wild boars, frogs, and numerous bird species are common visitors.

The Horta-Guinardó area

The Horta Labyrinth is located in the Horta-Guinardó district, one of the most natural and peaceful areas in Barcelona. Near the garden, you can enjoy the vast natural space of the Collserola mountain range, with over 11,000 hectares. Here, you can bike, hike, and enjoy other outdoor activities. A 15-minute drive away is the Carmel Bunker, a lookout point with panoramic city views and stunning sunsets. Around the labyrinth, you’ll find traditional Catalan restaurants such as Can Cortada, Ginesta, and La Cova d’Horta.

In addition to being a very quiet residential area, Horta-Guinardó is well connected by the L3 metro line. It’s an ideal place for families or anyone wanting to escape the city’s hustle and bustle while staying connected to nature without sacrificing conveniences, such as public transportation, a variety of dining options, and nearby attractions. If you’re thinking of living in Horta-Guinardó, this area offers the best of both worlds.

Plan your visit

Where is the Horta Labyrinth located ?

The park is at Passeig dels Castanyers, 1.

How can you get there ?

You can reach it by taking the metro to Mundet station (L3) and walking for five minutes.

When can you visit the park ?

Visiting hours are from 10:00 to 18:00 in winter and from 10:00 to 20:00 in summer.

How much is the entrance fee ?

The general admission is €2.23, and the reduced admission (for people with disabilities or children under 14) is €1.42.

Can you visit for free ?

Yes, you can visit for free on Wednesdays and Sundays, if you’re a resident of the Horta district, under 5 years old, or retired or unemployed.

Do you need to buy tickets in advance ?

Tickets cannot be purchased in advance. If you’d like to visit, you’ll need to buy them at the physical ticket office on the day of your visit.

Can you book a guided tour ?

The park does not organize guided tours, except for school visits.

What items are not allowed inside ?

Bicycles, skates, or other vehicles are not allowed. Additionally, you cannot bring balls, food, or pets.

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