Mossèn Costa i Llobera Gardens
One of the most important cactus gardens in Europe with its own microclimate
The Costa i Llobera Gardens are located on the southeastern slope of Montjuïc, an area of the mountain with a temperature a few degrees higher than the rest of the city, which allows plants not native to the Mediterranean climate to acclimate perfectly. Most of them come from sub-desert, desert, and tropical regions.
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A corner of the mountain with over 800 species of cacti and exceptional views
These gardens, named after the Mallorcan poet Miquel Costa i Llobera, were built in 1970 and are one of three gardens in Montjuïc dedicated to Catalan-language poets from the 1970s, along with those of Mossèn Cinto Verdaguer and Joan Maragall.
Covering six hectares and home to more than 800 species, it is one of the most important gardens in Europe specializing in cacti and succulents. This is largely possible thanks to the microclimate in this area, which is two or three degrees warmer than the city average. However, the frosts of 1985 and 1987 caused the death of many plants, and many species had to be replanted.
In addition to the vegetation, the gardens feature various decorative elements, such as a pergola that provides shade from the sun, which reaches nearly every corner of the park, and several sculptures, including La Puntaire by Josep Viladomat, located in a scenic spot with benches to sit and enjoy the view.
For the curious
- In 1987, The New York Times included the Costa i Llobera Gardens in its list of the 10 most beautiful gardens in the world.
- The gardens offer excellent views of Barcelona’s coastline, and you can also walk to the nearby Plaça de l’Armada for a magnificent panoramic view of the city.
