Pedralbes Gardens & Royal Palace – Barcelona University Zone

About Pedralbes Gardens

A fire on Christmas Day 1875 destroyed the 17th‑century Pla de Palau building, which had been the residence of Spain's royal family during their visits to Barcelona. The replacement royal residence was built on land owned and ceded by the Güell family, restoring an existing mansion.

The new Royal Palace of Pedralbes was handed over to King Alfonso XIII in 1926. In 1931, when the king was deposed, Spain's treasury minister donated the palace and its gardens to the city council, which opened them to the public. The royal premises became the Museo d'Arts Decoratives, adding cultural significance to the site.

In 2014, the city council transferred the building and gardens to the Generalitat of Catalunya, which now uses the palace for official ceremonies and receptions. Today, the Pedralbes Gardens remain one of the most majestic public gardens in Barcelona, blending royal history with French and English landscaping styles.

Alongside Albéniz Palace at Joan Maragall Gardens on Montjuïc, the Pedralbes Palace was one of the official residences of Spain’s royal family during their stays in Barcelona. This connection highlights how the city’s monarchic heritage is reflected in multiple sites, from the Barcelona University Zone to Montjuïc Mountain.

Image Gallery For Pedralbes Gardens

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Visiting Pedralbes Gardens

Although the Royal Palace of Pedralbes is closed to the general public, the Pedralbes Gardens offer free entry and are open daily via the Avenida Diagonal entrance in the Barcelona University Zone. These landscaped grounds are among the best gardens in Barcelona, blending French and English design styles with fountains, ponds, and tree‑lined boulevards.

Every July, the Festival de Pedralbes transforms the gardens into an outdoor concert venue, attracting international artists and offering a unique cultural experience under the summer night sky. Whether you’re exploring the Palau Reial de Pedralbes exterior or simply enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, the gardens are a must‑see for anyone interested in Barcelona’s royal heritage and green spaces.

Garden Highlights of Pedralbes

Mediterrània sculpture (1962): A marble figure of a kneeling woman by Eulàlia Fàbregas de Sentmenat, set within a cascading tiered fountain. The gentle sound of water and surrounding greenery makes this one of the garden’s most tranquil corners.
Nu Femení (1930): A contemplative bronze nude statue by Enric Casanovas Roy, blending art and nature in a shaded setting. It embodies the harmony between sculpture and landscape design.
Yellow palace façade with hibiscus: A vibrant hibiscus bush climbs across the yellow building of the Palau Reial de Pedralbes, its red blooms contrasting with classical architecture and blue shutters — a striking visual highlight.
Symmetrical flower beds and urns: Classical landscaping with red blooms, stone urns, and staircases leading to elevated terraces, showcasing French and English garden styles.
Acanthus mollis (Bear’s Breeches): Tall flowering spikes and dramatic foliage add botanical interest to shaded corners, a distinctive Mediterranean plant often seen in historic gardens.
Circular ornamental pond and Pèrgola: A balustraded balcony in front of the palace with a pond and marble busts, offering a refined setting for quiet reflection and photography.
Font d’Hércules: A monumental fountain featuring the mythological hero Hercules, symbolising strength and classical heritage within the gardens.
Asiento trono de madera ornamental: An intricately carved wooden throne‑like seat, blending craftsmanship with garden design and providing visitors with a unique resting spot.
Bassa naturalitzada: A naturalised pond integrating aquatic plants and wildlife, showcasing the ecological side of the gardens and offering a serene habitat for biodiversity.
Ornate stone planters: Decorated with carved faces and floral motifs, these classical urns anchor key viewpoints and highlight the artistry of garden design.
Tree-lined boulevards: Gravel paths shaded by interlocking tree canopies create a cool escape and scenic walking routes, perfect for leisurely strolls or cycling.
Octagonal central fountain: Surrounded by trimmed bushes and grassy lawns, this elegant water feature is a popular spot for relaxation and enjoying the garden’s symmetry.

Trivia: In Dan Brown’s novel Origins, the fictional AI computer “Winston” was located in a house just outside the exit of the Pedralbes Gardens, at the top corner of the street.

Pedralbes Gardens Opening Hours

Winter (November 1st – March 31st): 10:00 am to 7:00 pm (Monday to Sunday)
Summer (April 1st – October 31st): 10:00 am to 7:00 pm (Monday to Sunday)

Festival de Pedralbes

Accessibility & What to Bring for Pedralbes Gardens

The Pedralbes Gardens are designed as a public space with wide gravel paths, shaded boulevards, and step‑free access at the Avenida Diagonal entrance. Inside the gardens, visitors will find a combination of ramps and steps, making most areas accessible for wheelchairs, strollers, and those with reduced mobility.

There are bicycle anchorage points outside the Avenida Diagonal entrance, and benches scattered throughout the gardens for resting. The open lawns and shaded corners make this an ideal spot for picnics, reading, or simply enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.

Family & Kids: The gardens feature two children’s playgrounds, safe open spaces, and shaded boulevards ideal for families. Sculptures and fountains add visual interest for curious minds, while picnic areas make it easy to spend a relaxed afternoon together.

What to bring:

A picnic blanket and snacks to enjoy the lawns and shaded areas.
Comfortable walking shoes for gravel paths and tree‑lined boulevards.
A refillable water bottle — fountains are available nearby but not inside the gardens.
A camera or smartphone to capture highlights like the Mediterrània sculpture, Nu Femení, and the Font d’Hércules.
Sunscreen and a hat in summer, as some areas are exposed to direct sunlight.
A book or journal — the gardens are a quiet retreat perfect for reflection.

Pedralbes 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 Notes Open 10-19h in winter and 10-21h in summer.

Getting to Pedralbes Gardens

Address: Avenida Diagonal 686, Barcelona, 08034 — located in the Barcelona University Zone.

The main entrance to the Pedralbes Gardens is directly on Avenida Diagonal. The nearest TMB Metro station is Palau Reial on the green (L3) line, situated opposite the gardens’ entrance. This makes the site easily accessible from central Barcelona and other districts.

For public transport, use a T-Casual ticket for single journeys or consider the Hola Barcelona travel card for unlimited rides across metro, bus, and tram networks.