Jardins de Menéndez y Pelayo

Jardins de Menéndez y Pelayo is a small but cleverly designed park in the La Salut neighborhood, in the upper part of Gràcia in Barcelona. Covering roughly 6,000 square meters of steeply sloping ground, it was created to bring green public space to a part of the city that had almost none. The gardens opened in 2018 as part of a wider redevelopment of Travessera de Dalt between Escorial and Plaça Lesseps, filling a gap in a district that lacked accessible outdoor areas.

How do you design a garden on a hillside?

The biggest challenge in building the park was the extreme slope of the plot. Instead of conventional staircases, the designers used a system of inclined planes connected by ramps suited for wheelchairs, strollers and bicycles, so the entire site can be crossed "uphill" without climbing steps. This makes the gardens one of the more accessible green spots in this part of Barcelona. Paths, retaining walls and metal railings break the terrain into intimate pockets of space — quiet corners good for reading or simply resting away from the traffic on Travessera de Dalt.

What can you do at Jardins de Menéndez y Pelayo?

The park works both as a pedestrian shortcut through the neighborhood and as a place to relax. It includes a children's play area and a dedicated dog zone, which makes it a popular everyday gathering spot for residents of La Salut. Benches spread across the different terraced levels offer a place to catch your breath while climbing Gràcia's steep streets, while the garden itself also serves as a practical connector between the lower and upper parts of the neighborhood.

Who is this place for?

This is a neighborhood address more than a tourist landmark — it's used mainly by local residents, families with children and dog owners. For travelers exploring Gràcia off the usual sightseeing routes, though, it's a worthwhile stop to see how Barcelona has approached greening its steep, densely built hillside districts. The gardens don't have the monumental feel of the city's larger parks; their value lies in everyday functionality and quality of life for the people who live around them.

How do you get to the gardens?

Jardins de Menéndez y Pelayo sit at Mossèn Batlle 1, at the heart of La Salut, one of the highest parts of Gràcia. Given the considerable elevation change in the area, expect an uphill walk no matter which direction you approach from — the garden's own ramp system is designed to make that climb easier.

Frequently asked questions

Is the park accessible for wheelchairs and strollers? Yes — this is one of the core features of the design. Instead of stairs, the gardens use inclined planes and ramps, allowing step-free access across the site.

Is there a playground for children? Yes, the gardens include a dedicated play area for kids.

Can I bring my dog? Yes, there is a designated dog area within the gardens.

When did the gardens open? They opened in 2018, as part of the redevelopment of Travessera de Dalt between Escorial and Plaça Lesseps.

Is it a large park? No — at around 6,000 square meters, it's a compact, neighborhood-scale garden rather than a sprawling city park.