Boranic Garden of Barcelona

The Jardí Botànic de Barcelona, located in Montjuïc Park, is a gem of biodiversity and landscape architecture, designed to showcase the variety of Mediterranean plants from around the world. The garden, inaugurated in 1999, was conceived by an interdisciplinary team led by architect Carlos Ferrater, and covers an area of 14 hectares. The idea behind the garden is to represent regions of the world with Mediterranean climates, including the Mediterranean basin, southern Australia, central Chile, California, and South Africa. The history of the Jardí Botànic dates back to the 19th century, with the creation of Barcelona’s first botanical garden in 1888. However, the current garden, also known as the “New Botanical Garden,” stands out for its modern and scientific organization. It should not be confused with the Jardí Botànic Històric, founded in 1930 and also located on Montjuïc, in an area of ancient quarries, which was reopened in 2003 after a renovation. One of the main objectives of the Jardí Botànic de Barcelona is the conservation and documentation of Catalonia’s natural heritage, promoting botanical and naturalistic culture. The facility is equipped with a germplasm bank, where seeds of species of great scientific and conservation importance are preserved. This allows for the preservation of biodiversity and ensures the survival of threatened species. The garden offers a unique experience in every season, with paths leading visitors through different climatic zones and landscapes. The panoramic views include the Llobregat Delta, the Olympic Ring, and the city of Barcelona, as well as the Collserola mountain range and the Garraf massif. The arrangement of plants follows both geographical and ecological criteria, grouping species based on their origin and the natural landscapes they form. A particular point of interest is the collection of bonsai of Mediterranean species, which is on permanent display. In addition, the garden hosts various educational and cultural activities aimed at audiences of all ages. These include workshops, guided tours, and specific programs for children, such as the “Motxilla per a Naturalistes” activity, which invites young explorers to discover the garden through educational materials and interactive games. Ferrater’s design received the FAD award for architecture in 2002, recognizing the beauty and innovation of the project. A distinctive feature of the garden is its analemmatic sundial, an installation that allows the time to be determined using the shadow cast by the human body. This sundial, located in the square of the arid zones, was created in collaboration with the Amics del Jardí Botànic de Barcelona association and the Societat Gnomòmica de Catalunya.