Busy Barcelona doesn't spoil family travellers with places to walk quietly with their children. But the Labyrinth of Orta Park (Parc del Laberint d'Horta) on the outskirts of Barcelona is a green space that doesn't get too crowded. Quiet is strictly regulated here: no more than 750 people can stay in the city's oldest park at a time. If you are travelling with a child in Barcelona, you should visit this cosy place to breathe fresh air and regain energy for your sightseeing programme.
One of the slopes of the Collserola mountain range was cultivated at the end of the 18th century. It began as a Neoclassical garden, and in the mid-nineteenth century, a Romantic garden was also created. Despite the boring names, both parks promise plenty of adventure for children.
The main attraction at Labyrinth of Horta is the cypress labyrinth in the neoclassical garden. At its entrance are marble statues of Ariadne and Theseus, so you can tell your child about the ancient Greek hero's battle with the Minotaur and how Ariadne helped her lover find his way out of the labyrinth. What will you use to get out of the jumble of paths? It does not matter: getting lost is unlikely to succeed. But to wander, now and then, coming to a standstill, you will have to do it for sure. If you're unsure, consulting a map is a good idea.
Not far from the labyrinth is a large pond, and just below it is the "Romantic Canal", which leads to the "Island of Love". There are many fountains and sculptures on the park's territory: the heroes of the myths of Ancient Greece are embodied in stone. There is also a sundial.
The romantic garden is famous for its botanical collection. Here you can see rare plant species and admire how irises, camellias, cyclamens, and African lilies bloom. There is also a strawberry tree growing here — its image is on the coat of arms of the Spanish capital. A wooded area with typical Mediterranean flora adjoins the romantic garden.
No noise is allowed in the Parc del Laberint d'Horta. Thanks to this, you can listen to the birds singing and catch the sound of a small waterfall running down from the terraces of the romantic garden.
Not far from the entrance to the park, there is a picnic area and a children's playground. In July, the Labyrinth of Horta in Barcelona becomes an open-air concert hall where classical music is played.
