This is one of Europe's newest botanical gardens, and makes for a very pleasant summer afternoon…read moreescape from the frenetic bustle of Barcelona.
The original botanic garden on Montjuïc opened in 1930 is still accessible in parts, but the remodelling of the area for the 1992 Olympics prompted the city to move most of collection to a new garden, which opened in 1999. Focussing on Mediterranean-climactic flora, it features collections from Australia, South Africa, Chile, the Canaries and the eastern and western Mediterranean.
The garden's design is deliberately and strikingly modern. With its angular concrete paths, sheet-steel screening and rhomboid planting beds, it's the antithesis of traditional English parks and gardens. Whether this works for you is a matter of taste, but there's no denying that the result is innovative and dramatic.
The plant collections themselves are the highlight, of course, and the Australian and Canarian zones are particularly impressive, with tall palms, succulents, cacti, banksias and other exotics, and some delightful ponds. The Mediterranean zones are (oddly) less appealing, largely because the planting seems to be a bit hit-and-miss, and because many of the plants are not yet properly established.
One notable omission is the absence of glasshouses, as the collection is designed for the local climate. But there's plenty to occupy you for a couple of hours, and you get stunning views of the Olympic Park from various points as you walk around.
Practicalities: The site has lots of car-parking and is on the TMB Montjuïc Park circular bus route (every 25 minutes). It's quite a walk from either the cable-car stations or the metro. The site is on a steep slope, and although the paths themselves are gentle, be prepared for quite a lot of walking once inside. Also bear in mind that the garden offers less shade than more established sites, although the frequent water-fountains and seats are very welcome. A map and guide leaflet is available in different languages.
The site is suitable for wheelchairs, with a powered one available from the entrance office. Finally, there is no shop or café, but there are several beverage vending machines at the entrance.
