Take a well deserved break from the hustle and bustle of Barcelona, and visit the Barcelona Botanical Gardens. An attraction in Barcelona that will make you feel a lot more relaxed leaving, compared to arriving!
Have you ever wondered how plants survive in harsh environments, such as drought, fire or salinity? Have you ever wanted to see exotic plants from different continents in one place? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you should visit the Barcelona Botanical Gardens, a hidden space in the city that will amaze you with its diversity and beauty. Take some time out and explore the wonders of the Barcelona Botanical Gardens.
What are the Barcelona Botanical Gardens?
The Barcelona Botanical Gardens are located on the Montjuïc hill, a green area that offers a stunning view of the city and the sea. The gardens were created in 1999 with the aim of conserving and disseminating collections of Mediterranean plants from different regions. The gardens cover an area of 14 hectares and are divided into five areas, each representing a region with a Mediterranean-type climate: Australia, Chile, California, South Africa and the Mediterranean .
Why should you visit the Barcelona Botanical Gardens?
There are many reasons why you should visit the Barcelona Botanical Gardens, but here are some of the main ones:
- You will learn about how plants adapt to different environmental conditions, such as drought, fire, salinity and altitude. You will see how some plants have thick leaves to store water, how some plants have bright flowers to attract pollinators, how some plants have thorns to deter herbivores and how some plants have seeds that germinate after fire.
- Explore and discover the cultural and historical significance of some plants, such as the olive tree, the cork oak, the lavender and the rosemary. You will find out how these plants have been used for food, medicine, cosmetics, crafts and rituals by different civilizations throughout history.
- A visit ensures a relaxing and educational experience in a peaceful oasis in the middle of a bustling city. You will be surrounded by nature and breathe fresh air. You will also have the opportunity to join guided tours, workshops and activities for all ages.
What are some of the highlights of the Barcelona Botanical Gardens?
One of the highlights of the gardens is the bonsai exhibition, which showcases more than 200 miniature trees donated by a private collector. The exhibition is located in a greenhouse near the entrance and displays different styles and techniques of bonsai art. You will be amazed by how these tiny trees resemble their full-sized counterparts and how they express the essence of nature.
Another highlight of the gardens is the Institut Botànic de Barcelona (IBB), a research center that specializes in botanical studies and houses a library and a herbarium. The IBB is located in the upper part of the gardens and offers guided tours by appointment. You will be able to see rare books, manuscripts and specimens that document the diversity and evolution of plants.
How can you visit the Barcelona Botanical Gardens?
The Barcelona Botanical Gardens are open every day from 10:00 to 20:00 (or 17:00 in winter) and have an admission fee of 3.5 euros (or free on Sundays after 15:00). You can reach them by bus, metro or cable car. You can also combine your visit with other attractions on Montjuïc hill, such as the Olympic stadium, the castle or the magic fountain.
If you are a nature lover or a curious traveler, you will love visiting the Barcelona Botanical Gardens. They are a great way to discover the wonders of Mediterranean plants and to enjoy a relaxing and educational experience in Barcelona.
