Palace de les Heures

The Palau de les Heures, also known as Casa Gallart, is a charming palace located in the Horta-Guinardó district in Barcelona. Built between 1894 and 1898 by the architect Augusto Font Carreras, the palace is a fascinating example of French neoclassical style. Its structure resembles that of a château, with four cylindrical towers topped with conical roofs and a central lantern that gives the building a fairy-tale air. The Palau de les Heures was commissioned by Josep Gallart Forgas, an entrepreneur who made his fortune in Puerto Rico, and takes its name from the lush ivy that adorns its facade. Inside, the palace is spread over three main floors and a basement, with luxurious rooms and refined decorative details. The facade is embellished with terracotta featuring an allegory of ivy, created by the sculptor Josep Campeny. Surrounded by magnificent gardens designed by Adrià Piera, the Palau de les Heures is located on a promontory that offers spectacular panoramic views of the city of Barcelona. The gardens, arranged on a series of terraces, are a perfect example of Italian Renaissance style, with parterres, fountains, and a rich variety of plants, including palms, magnolias, horse chestnuts, and rose gardens. Restored in 1999 by Patrizia Falcone, the gardens are open to the public and offer an oasis of tranquility and beauty. The Palau de les Heures has had a rich and varied history. During the Spanish Civil War, it was used as a hospital and headquarters of the Catalan government in exile. After the war, the palace went through various uses until becoming part of the Campus Mundet of the University of Barcelona, hosting the Fundación Bosch i Gimpera for postgraduate university studies.