Jardins de la Maternitat – Hidden Gardens of Les Corts

About Maternitat Gardens

The Jardins de la Maternitat, also known as the Maternitat Gardens, are one of Barcelona’s most tranquil hidden gardens in the Les Corts district, located just steps away from Camp Nou Stadium. Originally part of the La Maternitat hospital complex, these modernist hospital gardens were designed between 1889 and 1898 on the historic Can Cavaller Estate by architect Camil Oliveras i Gensana. The landscaped grounds seamlessly integrate the pavilion buildings with lush greenery, making them a popular choice for family‑friendly picnic spots in Barcelona and a peaceful alternative to busier parks like Park Güell.

Several of the old hospital pavilions now house institutions such as the Archives of the Provincial Council of Barcelona, the National University of Distance Education, a Centro de Atención Primaria (CAP), and a school. The most striking landmarks are the Blue Pavilion and the Rose Pavilion, both fine examples of Les Corts attractions blending architecture and nature. Visitors will also find the statue La Maternitat by sculptor Lluïsa Granero, a highlight for those exploring Barcelona’s secret gardens and cultural heritage.

La Maternitat Hospital and Gardens History

Built on the Can Cavaller Estate from 1889 to 1898 by architect Camil Oliveras i Gensana in the modernist style as a hospital complex. Each pavilion is an independent building within the grounds as per the best practices of the day. For another example of a grand modernist hospital in Barcelona, see the Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau.

Following the death of Camil Oliveras i Gensana in 1898 the project was handed over to other architects:

The Breastfeeding and Ave Maria Pavilions – Camil Oliveras i Gensana
Prat de la Riba Pavilion – Josep Obrí i Cansaran
The Rosa i Goday and Blue Pavilion (1924) – Joan Rubió i Belver & Josep Goday i Casals
Cambo Pavilion (1950) – Manuel Baldrich i Tabau

Together, these buildings form a unique ensemble of modernist hospital architecture in Barcelona, offering visitors both history and serenity in one of the city’s most overlooked green spaces.

Image Gallery For Maternitat Gardens

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Visiting Maternitat Gardens

The Maternitat Gardens stretch along a longitudinal axis down Av Joan XXIII, connecting Av Diagonal to Travessera de les Corts. This makes them one of the most accessible Les Corts attractions and a convenient stop for visitors heading to or from Camp Nou Stadium. Known as one of Barcelona’s hidden gardens, they offer a peaceful escape from the city’s bustle and are ideal for quiet evening strolls near Camp Nou.

Some of the historic hospital pavilions now house a school, a radio station, and council offices, while others remain in medical use. Although the buildings themselves are not open to the public, entry to the modernist hospital gardens is free, making them a popular choice for family‑friendly picnic spots in Barcelona and a bike‑friendly garden thanks to anchorage points both inside and outside the grounds.

The gardens stay open late during summer months, offering locals and visitors alike the chance to enjoy tranquil evening walks or daytime picnics under shaded trees. Their location in the Les Corts district makes them a perfect alternative to busier tourist parks, appealing to those searching for Barcelona’s secret gardens and authentic neighborhood experiences.

Maternitat Gardens Opening Hours

Winter (October to March):

Monday to Friday: 07:00h to 22:00h
Saturday: 07:00h to 18:00h
Sunday: 10:00h to 18:00h

Spring (April):

Monday to Friday: 07:00h to 22:00h
Saturday: 07:00h to 20:00h
Sunday: 10:00h to 20:00h

Summer (May to August):

Monday to Friday: 07:00h to 22:00h
Saturday: 07:00h to 21:00h
Sunday: 10:00h to 21:00h

Autumn (September):

Monday to Friday: 07:00h to 22:00h
Saturday: 07:00h to 20:00h
Sunday: 10:00h to 20:00h

Maternitat gardens Homepage

Accessibility & What to take to Maternitat Gardens

The Maternitat Gardens are a fully step‑free public garden in Barcelona, making them accessible for visitors with reduced mobility and ideal for wheelchair‑friendly picnic spots. Paths are a mix of gravel and paved surfaces, offering easy navigation for families, cyclists, and anyone looking for a relaxed stroll in the Les Corts district.

These bike‑friendly gardens in Barcelona feature bicycle anchorage points outside on Travessera de les Corts as well as additional racks inside the grounds, making them a convenient stop for those cycling through Les Corts or heading towards Camp Nou Stadium. Visitors often bring picnic blankets, snacks, and books to enjoy the shaded areas, turning the gardens into one of the city’s most authentic hidden picnic spots.

For the best experience, bring water during summer months, as the gardens stay open late and are perfect for quiet evening walks. Whether you’re exploring Barcelona’s secret gardens or simply looking for a peaceful green space, Maternitat Gardens provide a blend of accessibility, history, and local charm.

Maternitat Gardens Summary of Prices

Train/Bus Fare Entry Ticket Additional Information Train/Bus Fare Entry Ticket Additional Information Adult Zone 1 T-casual FREE Child € 1.25 FREE

Getting to Maternitat Gardens

Address: Travessera de les Corts 159, Barcelona, 08028

The Maternitat Gardens are easy to reach for anyone exploring Les Corts attractions or heading to Camp Nou Stadium. For visitors searching for how to reach hidden gardens in Barcelona, the nearest TMB Metro stop is Les Corts on the green (L3) line. This makes the gardens a convenient stop before or after a football match or a day exploring the district’s modernist hospital architecture.

Travelers can use a T‑Casual ticket or the Hola Barcelona travel card for unlimited journeys, making it simple to combine a visit to the Maternitat Gardens with other Barcelona secret gardens or cultural highlights such as the nearby Pedralbes Gardens.

For cyclists, the gardens are part of a bike‑friendly route through Les Corts, with anchorage points available both outside and inside the grounds. This makes them one of the most practical family‑friendly picnic spots in Barcelona for those arriving by bicycle or public transport.

Public Transport Guide