A park between three cities? Discover Parque de Torreblanca in Barcelona
The tranquillity you find in Barcelona’s parks is quite incredible. All quiet and harmonious oases of calm amidst all the chaos of city life. Because sometimes you just need to take half an hour away from all the museums, monuments, buildings and travelling… After all, city breaks are about getting to know different cultures, meeting new people, getting lost in the streets… but a quiet walk through a beautiful park is a great way of seeing a different side to all great cities. Today, we want to introduce you to Parque de Torreblanca, a little dose of greenery and nature in the heart of the Catalan capital.
Parc Torreblanca is a great option if you’re not sure what to see and do in Barcelona, exploring what is consistently voted one of the best metropolitan parks in Barcelona Metropolitan Area satisfaction surveys. Just around half an hour from the very centre of the city, this park is famous for being the meeting point of three different municipalities, Sant Joan Despí, Sant Just Desvern and Sant Feliu de Llobregat.
In the 19th century, it was the residence of the Marquises of Monistrol, who had owned the land since medieval times. During the Spanish Civil War, the house suffered major structural damage, before having to be completely demolished in 1950. In 1982, the land became municipal property and Parque de Torreblanca was turned into a botanical garden in true romantic style, with caves and even gazebos for visitors to enjoy. Since 2005, Barcelona’s Rosalista Association has planted and grown rose bushes throughout the park, and there are currently around 600 different varieties grown each year!
Parque de Torreblanca – things to see and do:
The park’s 12 hectares of green space are divided into separate zones and, as the good weather takes hold, host a variety of amazing sporting activities and artistic performances and shows. What’s more, every Sunday between 10.00 and 14.00, the ‘Mercat de Pagès’ takes place, a farmers’ market full of local produce designed to promote responsible living and local agriculture.
There are four key areas to explore when you’re here – the lake, where you can see ducks, geese and turtles, with some amazing sculptures including caves, waterfalls and man-made islands; the southern zone, where the old manor house was situated, which is now home to a maze surrounded by palm trees; the southwest zone, where you’ll find all the sporting activities and runners; and finally the banana tree and cypress-lined avenues where, every now and then, you’ll be able to enjoy some great outdoor shows, or just enjoy a pleasant stroll!
When the park is quieter as night falls, you might even be lucky enough to spot some of the park’s resident animals, including rabbits, turkeys, parrots and other exotic birds. Some people even choose Parque de Torreblanca to celebrate their weddings!
When to visit Parque de Torreblanca?
Keep in mind that this particular park in Barcelona has opening and closing hours, and is also closed every Monday, excluding bank holidays. In the summer months, from June to September, you can visit the park between 10.00 and 21.45. A great option for those hot summer night sunsets. In the transition months – April and May, as well as September and October – admission is free between 10.00 and 19.45. Finally, in the winter months from November to March, Parque de Torreblanca is open between 10.00 and 17.45.
Although the Catalan capital has plenty of great things to see and do, if you’ve already been to Barcelona or just want to see some things off the beaten track, or if you don’t know what to do in Barcelona, we always highly recommend a visit to Parque de Torreblanca. Whether you’re here with the little ones, enjoying a weekend break as a couple or travelling with the entire family, you’re always guaranteed a fun time spotting the animals, getting lost in the maze, exploring the avenues or simply enjoying a few hours sunbathing on the grass. Don’t miss out on this little slice of heaven amidst all the hustle and bustle of cosmopolitan Barcelona.
Categories: barcelona
