If you are planning to visit Barcelona or if you live near this beautiful city, a good excursion would be to see the Labyrinth of Horta. It is a large and beautiful park in which there is not only a maze, but also different types of gardens and a wide variety of plant species. For lovers of botany and gardening, this is a highly recommended destination.
In order to motivate you a little to visit the Labyrinth of Horta, we are going to explain what exactly is this park and we will talk about the gardens that make it up. In addition, you cannot miss a little practical information: In the last part of the article you will find opening times and ticket prices.
Contents
What is Horta’s Labyrinth?
When we talk about Labyrinth Horta, we are referring to a public park and historical garden which opened its doors to the public in 1971. It is located in Barcelona, specifically in the Horta-Guinardó district. The beginning of this park took place in 1794 and was made by the Italian architect named Domenico Bagutti, who completed the first phase in 1808. It should be noted that this is the oldest garden in Barcelona.
The Labyrinth of Horta has been the scene of many cultural events as well as various theatrical works. Today it is essentially a museum-like garden that It has a municipal institute specializing in gardening training. In addition, it is a BCIL (Cultural Asset of Local Interest) which is part of the Inventory of Cultural Heritage of Catalonia.
How big is Horta’s Labyrinth?
The whole of this public park occupies a plot of 9.10 hectares, in which we can enjoy various plant and animal species. As for the labyrinth that gives its name to the park, it occupies an area no more and no less than 45 x 50 meters. It should be noted that its trapezoidal shape looks very much like a double axe, very similar to the Cretan labyrinth, according to Greek mythology. To create this maze, around 750 linear meters of cypress trees were used, obviously pruned to give this feeling of a green wall.
Gardens of the Labyrinth of Horta
The large Labyrinth of Horta park stands out not only for its labyrinth, but also for its magnificent gardens. Besides the gardens adjoining the forest area and the mansion, we can also find a romantic garden and a neoclassical garden. Throughout the park there are various Greek and rustic sculptures, fountains and water rafts, but no one knows who made them. However, due to the differing styles, it is likely that there were at least three artists involved.
neoclassical garden
Undoubtedly, the most remarkable garden is the neoclassical garden. East It has a total of four levels., connected by terraces, stairs and paths. Several squares and gardens can be highlighted in this area:
- Plaza de los Leones or de las Columnas: A total of five trails depart from it to cover the entire park.
- Flower garden: It is located on the lower terrace and is distinguished above all by its redwood.
- Clock Square: It receives this name for having a column which, in its time, performed the function of a sundial. It is made of stone and has a height of 4.22 meters.
- Moss garden or small maze: There is a stone grotto, called the source of the Pyramid, and a grove of oak trees.
- Labyrinth: The famous Labyrinth of Horta, inside which there is a square with eight entrances and a statue of the Greek god Eros.
- Belvedere or Belvedere: It has two Italian temples and statues of Ariadne and Danae.
- romantic channel: It is a long channel that has a depth of three meters. Formerly it was navigated by him.
- Pavilion of Carlos IV: Located on the upper level.
- Cave of the Nymph Egeria: It is distributed over two levels and has a staircase on each side.
roman garden
There is also a Romanesque garden in this large park. While it is true that only a few remnants of the original design have survived, experts claim that this garden was designed refer to death while the neoclassical garden reflects the theme of love.
Among the most remarkable elements of this area of the Labyrinth Horta are the following:
- Renaissance Grotesque Fountain with a sculpture in the shape of a fish through which the water comes out.
- Waterfall with commemorative plaque what’s he saying: to María Rosa Moreno, historian of the Horta gardens and labyrinth, 1939-19995
- Riera, ponds and flowerbeds They have various aquatic plants.
- large evergreen trees, whose objective is to create a dark environment with its shadows.
Labyrinth of Horta: Times and prices
Do you like the idea of visiting this wonderful park? If so, be aware that admission is not always free and that Hours depend on the time of year. Let’s see when we can visit Horta’s Labyrinth:
- From April 1 to October 31: Every day from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- From November 1 to March 31: Every day except December 25 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- December 25th: From 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
General admission to the park costs €2.23. However, there is the possibility of obtaining a reduced ticket of €1.42 with the Carnet Jove. In addition, people with disabilities and children under 14 can also benefit from this reduction. In case we are a group of more than 15 people, a 10% discount will be applied on the ticket price.
On which days is the Labyrinth Horta free?
In case we want to save those euritos we can also choose to visit this park a sunday or a wednesday, in which there is no entrance fee. Moreover, the September 24 There is also no charge to enter Horta’s Labyrinth, as it is the day of La Mercè, a big party in Barcelona. Note that the unemployed, pensioners, children under 5 and residents of the Horta district enter free of charge every day of the year.
Without a doubt, the Labyrinth Horta is a park worth visiting if you are visiting Barcelona and live nearby. It is an excellent option to spend the day with family, friends or as a couple.