Mossèn Costa i Llobera Gardens
A cactus collection unparalleled in the world
The Mossèn Costa i Llobera Gardens are located on the south-east slope of Montjuïc, an area of the mountain with a temperature that is a few degrees higher than in the rest of the city, allowing plants not indigenous to the Mediterranean climate to grow perfectly well. The majority of these plants are from sub-desert, desert and tropical zones.
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Why visit the Mossèn Costa i Llobera Gardens?
These gardens, which bear the name of the Majorca poet Miquel Costa i Llobera, were constructed in 1970, and are one of three dedicated in the 1970s to Catalan-language poets on Montjuïc, along with the Mossèn Cinto Verdaguer Gardens and the Joan Maragall Gardens.
Covering a surface area of six hectares with more than 800 species, they are one the most important cactus and succulent plant gardens in Europe. This is possible largely thanks to the microclimate of this zone, whose temperature is two or three degrees warmer than the city’s average. Despite this, the cold spells of 1985 and 1987 caused the death of many plants and numerous species had to be replanted.
In addition to plant life, the gardens are also home to various decorative elements, such as a pergola that offers protection against the sun, which reaches all corners of the park, and various sculptures, including "The Lacemaker", by Josep Viladomat, located on a part of the mountain that offers good views and benches to enjoy them.
For the most curious of you
- Did you know? In 1987, "The New York Times" included the Mossèn Costa i Llobera Gardens on its list of the world’s ten most beautiful gardens.
- Local’s tip: The gardens offer excellent views of Barcelona’s coastline, but from the nearby Plaça de l’Armada you can also enjoy a magnificent panorama of the city.
- A must: For cactus and succulent plant specialists and enthusiasts.
