Gardens of the Palace de les Heures

The Jardins del Palau de les Heures, located at the foot of the Sierra de Collserola in Barcelona, are a splendid example of French and Italian Renaissance gardens. Created at the end of the 19th century, these gardens offer an oasis of tranquility and beauty in the Horta-Guinardó district, near the famous Laberint d’Horta. The Palau de les Heures was commissioned by the industrialist Josep Gallart Forgas and designed by the architect August Font i Carreras between 1894 and 1898. The palace, inspired by French castles, features four cylindrical towers with conical roofs, creating a romantic and regal atmosphere. The facade is decorated with allegorical sculptures of the hours, created by the Catalan sculptor Josep Campeny, adding an artistic and symbolic touch to the building. The garden is spread over three main terraces. The first, located higher up, houses the palace and a series of paths and green areas that invite strolling and contemplation. The second and third terraces, the largest ones, are characterized by rich vegetation and numerous geometric flower beds. These areas host a variety of trees and plants, including palms, magnolias, acacias, cedars, oranges, holm oaks, and pines, creating a lush and diverse environment. The work of the gardener Adrià Piera is evident in the harmonious arrangement of plants and landscape elements. The gardens also include decorative elements such as fountains and ponds with water features, enriching the visual and sensory experience of visitors. The gardens are particularly appreciated in spring, when the blooming plants add vibrant colors and intense scents. During the Spanish Civil War, the Palau de les Heures was expropriated and intended to become the residence of the President of the Generalitat, Lluís Companys, who lived there to protect himself from bombings. After the war, the palace and gardens came under the ownership of the Provincial Council of Barcelona and were opened to the public. Currently, the palace houses the Fundació Bosch i Gimpera, a university institute connected to the University of Barcelona, which promotes research and innovation. An interesting anecdote concerns the presence of different varieties of roses in the gardens, planted to celebrate the original owner Josep Gallart Forgas’s passion for this plant. The roses, along with other aromatic plants present, create a unique olfactory environment that enriches the visitors’ experience.