Gardens of Mossèn Costa i Llobera

The Jardins de Mossèn Costa i Llobera, located on the southern slope of Montjuïc in Barcelona, are one of the most important specialized gardens in cacti and succulent plants in Europe. Inaugurated in 1970, these gardens offer a vast collection of plants from desert, sub-desert, and tropical climates from around the world. The project was a collaboration between architect Joaquim Maria Casamor and gardening master Joan Pañella, an expert in succulent plants. The garden covers an area of 3.16 hectares and houses over 800 species of plants, including cacti, tropical trees, and exotic specimens. Among the most notable species are the Aloe ferox and Aloe brevifolia from South Africa, the Xanthorrhoea from Australia, the Cereus jamacaru from Brazil, and numerous specimens of Ferocactus and Echinopsis, known for the beauty of their flowers. These plants, adapted to water scarcity conditions, represent a living lesson on the evolutionary strategies of succulent plants. The location of the gardens, protected from northern winds and with an average temperature two or three degrees higher than the rest of the city, creates an ideal microclimate for the cultivation of these species. This microclimate is one of the aspects that make the Jardins de Mossèn Costa i Llobera a unique place for plant biodiversity. The panoramic position of the gardens offers spectacular views of the port and the coast of Barcelona, making it a privileged observation point. In addition to the botanical richness, the gardens are also a place of great aesthetic and artistic value. Decorative elements such as pergolas and sculptures enrich the environment, creating a harmonious visual experience that integrates nature and art. These green spaces not only offer a peaceful refuge from urban hustle and bustle, but are also a place where one can appreciate the beauty and diversity of plants in a well-maintained landscape setting. From a historical perspective, the Jardins de Mossèn Costa i Llobera were part of a broader effort of urbanization and redevelopment of Montjuïc, an area that has seen numerous architectural and landscaping interventions throughout the 20th century. The choice to dedicate the gardens to the Majorcan poet Miquel Costa i Llobera reflects the cultural importance of Catalan poetry and literature. Costa i Llobera, known for his poem “El Pi de Formentor,” is celebrated here through a garden that combines nature and culture. A significant anecdote concerns the intense cold that hit Barcelona in 1985 and 1987, causing serious damage to many of the garden’s plants. Thanks to intense restoration and replanting work, the gardens were brought back to their original splendor, demonstrating the resilience of succulent plants and the city’s commitment to the conservation of this botanical heritage.