Parc Laberint d’Horta – Barcelona’s Most Romantic Garden Maze

About Parc Laberint d’Horta

Nestled in the foothills of the Collserola range, Parc del Laberint d’Horta is Barcelona’s oldest garden and one of its most enchanting. Located in the Horta-Guinardó neighborhood, this historical park dates back to the late 18th century and offers a serene escape from the city’s bustle.

Originally part of the Desvalls family estate, the park was designed in a neoclassical style with a central hedge maze surrounded by statues, pergolas, and Tuscan columns. In the 19th century, a romantic garden was added, featuring flower beds, gazebos, a pond, and a waterfall — all spread across terraced levels that invite exploration and reflection.

Whether you’re holding hands while navigating the cypress labyrinth, sharing a quiet moment by the mossy fountain, or admiring the statues of Eros, Danae, and Artemis, this park is a place where romance meets history. It’s an ideal setting for a first date, a Valentine’s Day stroll, or a peaceful walk with someone special.

Alongside Tamarit Gardens, Parc del Laberint d’Horta stands out as one of the most beautiful green spaces in Barcelona. It’s also family-friendly, making it a great destination for children and adults alike.

Just next to the park is the Horta Velodrome, built for the 1992 Olympic Games, adding a modern touch to this timeless landscape.

History of Parc del Laberint d’Horta

Parc del Laberint d’Horta was born from the vision of Marquis Joan Antoni Desvalls i d’Ardena, who in 1791 commissioned the creation of a neoclassical garden on his estate in what was then the municipality of Sant Joan d’Horta — later absorbed into Barcelona in 1904.

Italian architect Domenico Bagutti designed the garden’s centerpiece: a cypress maze with a statue of Eros at its heart. The construction was carried out by builder Jaume and Andreu Valls, with landscaping by French gardener Joseph Delvalet. Surrounding the maze are elegant pergolas, statues of Danae and Artemis, and a moss-covered fountain that adds to the park’s timeless charm.

In the mid-19th century, the Desvalls family expanded the estate with a romantic garden, designed by architect Elies Rogent. This upper section features flower beds, gazebos, towering trees, a pond, and a waterfall — all connected by a canal that links the neoclassical and romantic zones across terraced levels.

In 1967, the Desvalls family donated the park to the city of Barcelona. It was opened to the public in 1971 and underwent extensive restoration in 1994 with support from the European Union.

Today, the Desvalls Palace houses a municipal library and learning center dedicated to gardening, botany, and landscape design. The park itself remains a living museum of horticultural artistry and architectural elegance — a place where history, nature, and romance intertwine.

More than just a garden, Parc del Laberint d’Horta is a living canvas of art, architecture, and nature. Its layered design — from mythological statues to flowing water canals — reflects the ideals of Enlightenment and Romanticism. Today, it stands as a protected cultural treasure, inspiring generations of artists, couples, and curious wanderers who come to lose themselves in its leafy embrace.

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Parc Laberint d’Horta Summary of Prices

Map for Parc Laberint d’Horta