Parc del Turó

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The park's original site hosted an amusement park that operated from 1912 until it closed in 1929.

2. 2

   The park was redesigned in its current form in 1933 by the architect and landscape designer Nicolau Maria Rubió i Tudurí.

3. 3

   It is officially named 'Parc del Poeta Eduard Marquina' in honor of the Spanish writer, though it is commonly referred to by its location name.

4. 4

   The park contains a specific area dedicated to the celebration of literature, featuring a library-kiosk and sculptural tributes.

5. 5

   The plant selection includes a notable population of exotic species, such as Cedrus deodara and Ginkgo biloba, uncommon in typical Mediterranean urban parks.

Overview

Parc del Turó is a sophisticated urban garden situated in the upscale Sarrià-Sant Gervasi district of Barcelona. Designed by Nicolau Maria Rubió i Tudurí in the 1930s, the park occupies the former site of an amusement park. The landscape features a central oval pond surrounded by a diverse collection of trees including magnolias, holm oaks, and linden trees. Winding gravel paths connect various secluded clearings and open lawns throughout the 2.8-hectare space. A notable bronze sculpture by Frederic Marès, titled 'La Ben Plantada', acts as a focal point within the vegetation. The park serves as a green buffer between the dense residential blocks of the Turó Park neighborhood. Sculptural elements and a literary monument dedicated to the poet Eduard Marquina are integrated into the garden design. The layout emphasizes shade and quietude, distinguishing it from the busier municipal parks in the city center. It remains one of the few examples of English-style romantic landscaping within Barcelona's urban grid.

Insider tips

• Visit during the early morning if you want to experience the park in total quiet, as it is a popular spot for local residents walking dogs.

• Bring a book, as the park’s layout is specifically designed for quiet reading and relaxation away from traffic noise.