Jardins de Mercè Rodoreda

Jardins de Mercè Rodoreda is a small, quiet urban park in Barcelona, tucked into the El Putxet i el Farró neighborhood of the Sarrià-Sant Gervasi district.

Where exactly is the park?

The gardens sit on a steep hillside between the Turó del Putxet hill and the valley of the former Riera de Vallcarca stream, bordered by Avinguda de la República Argentina, Baixada de Blanes and Carrer de la Costa. Because of the slope, a visit means walking terraced paths and flights of steps rather than flat avenues — a layout typical of the parks scattered across this hilly part of the city.

How do you get there?

The park lies in the upper part of Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, within walking distance of the El Putxet FGC railway stop, which serves this stretch of the district. Coming from central Barcelona, the easiest approach is to take the FGC line or a city bus to the nearest stop and then walk uphill the rest of the way — the terrain is uneven, so it is worth allowing an extra ten to fifteen minutes for the climb.

What will you see inside?

Planting throughout the gardens follows a Mediterranean theme: oaks, stone pines, strawberry trees, rockrose and almond trees grow alongside ornamental species introduced when the park was laid out, including cedars, mimosas and palms. The terraced design means sun exposure and microclimate shift from one level to the next, which shows in how the vegetation varies as you move through the park.

One curiosity worth looking for is a small "doll's house," its façade decorated with mosaic and ceramic tilework, built in the early twentieth century. It is a leftover from an era when wealthy families living in this part of Barcelona had similar miniature structures built in their private gardens as play spaces for children — a handful of these small buildings still survive in nearby estates and parks.

Where does the name come from?

The gardens opened in 2008, marking the hundredth anniversary of the birth of Mercè Rodoreda, one of the most important Catalan novelists of the twentieth century and author of "La plaça del Diamant." Naming the park after her follows Barcelona's habit of honoring its writers and artists in public green spaces.

What has changed recently?

Renovation work began in 2023 as part of the city's "Pla endreça" green-space renewal programme. The project expanded the children's play area and refreshed other parts of the park, improving its facilities while keeping the original terraced layout intact.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for walking the sloped paths, and they're also when the Mediterranean planting looks its best. In summer, visiting in the morning or late afternoon is more pleasant, since the steep, open paths get direct sun for much of the day.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to the gardens free? Yes. It is a public municipal park, open year-round at no cost.

Is there a playground? Yes, the children's play area was expanded and refreshed as part of the 2023 renovation.

How long does a visit take? Walking through the gardens themselves takes about 20–30 minutes, but it's worth allowing extra time to continue on to the adjoining Turó del Putxet park.

Is the park accessible for wheelchairs or limited mobility? The terrain is markedly sloped and includes stairs in places, so accessibility for wheelchairs and visitors with reduced mobility is limited.