The Joan Maragall gardens are located on the mountain of Montjuïc in Barcelona and surround the Albéniz Palace. You can access the gardens through the entrance right behind the National Palace, near the Olympic Stadium.
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In the gardens, you will find lots of sculptures of rare beauty as well as classical parterres filled with vegetation dating back to the early 20th century. The 32 sculptures, each created by a different artist, include, among others, Joan Rebull's "Girl lying down", Ernest Maragall's "Allegory of the sardana" and Theophile Eugène's "Susana in the bath".
The gardens were designed by the landscape architect Jean Claude Nicolas Forestier and created as a place of rest for King Alfonso XIII, where he could enjoy peaceful strolls during his visits in Barcelona.
The garden houses a variety of Mediterranean trees and shrubs, such as olive and pine trees as well as more exotic species, such as magnolias and Cicas.
The Albéniz Palace, also known as the Albéniz Mansion, is a palace located on the mountain of Montjuïc, just behind the National Palace, inside the Joan Maragall gardens. It was built for the 1929 Universal Exhibition to house the Spanish Royal Family during the event.
However, since another residence of the Royal Family was also the brand new Pedralbes Royal Palace, the Albéniz Palace was later used to accommodate many other monarchs and royal personages. Today, it is home to various famous personalities, but it also remains the official residence of Their Majesties during their visits to Barcelona. It is not often open to the public.
In the 1970s, the palace was renovated and its interior was enriched with the works of Salvador Dalí. The name of the palace was given in the 1930s in honour of the great Catalan musician Isaac Albéniz.
Back : Montjuic Tour
Next : The Olympic Ring (7), the main site of the Olympic Games.
Previous : the Miró Foundation (5)
Source : http://planergo.com/en/sights/Joan-Maragall-Gardens/ and Garden web site
