Jardins del Cementiri Vell

Jardins del Cementiri Vell is a small, quiet square in the historic quarter of el Prat de Llobregat, the Catalan town that sits right next to Barcelona-El Prat Airport. The name comes directly from the old cemetery next door (Cementiri Vell, also known as Cementiri de l'Est), around which a public green space gradually formed for the residents of the Casc Antic neighborhood.

Where does the name come from?

The old cemetery was built in 1858, a response to El Prat's rapid population growth and to a cholera outbreak that hit the town in 1854. Once a new cemetery opened in 1963 on the road to Cal Xeix, the old burial ground gradually took on a different role: today it stands as a protected piece of funerary architecture, while the square and gardens surrounding it have become a gathering point for local life, cultural events, and everyday walks.

How do you get there?

The metro is the easiest option: the nearest station is Les Moreres on line L9 Sud, about a five-minute walk from the gardens. City and regional bus lines 65, PR2, and X2 also stop nearby. Because El Prat de Llobregat sits right beside Barcelona's airport, getting here from the terminals typically takes anywhere from about fifteen minutes to half an hour, depending on the transport you choose. The square itself sits in the town's historic center, so it pairs easily with a wider stroll around the other landmarks of the Casc Antic.

What will you see once you're there?

The main point of interest remains the old cemetery, whose main entrance opens onto Carrer Lo Gaiter del Llobregat. Inside, the walls of burial niches closed off with semicircular arches stand out, along with small chapels tucked into the corners of the layout and Arab-style tile roofing covering the lowest level of the walls — details typical of 19th-century Catalan cemetery architecture. The interior is partly softened by rows of cypress trees lining the pathways, giving the whole place a calm, contemplative feel. The square outside, the actual Jardins del Cementiri Vell, borders Plaça Louis Braille and the Centre Cívic Palmira Domènech, the local community center, which makes this corner of town a natural hub of neighborhood life.

When is the best time to visit?

The square comes most alive around local festivities. During the town's Festa Major, as well as the Feria de la Palmira and the Fiesta del Casco Antiguo, this is where stalls, concerts, and neighborhood gatherings are set up. The spot has also featured in the Dansa Metropolitana festival program, serving as an open-air stage for contemporary dance performances. A more reflective visit is around November 1st, Dia de Tots Sants (All Saints' Day), when the old cemetery itself is often decorated and opened for commemorative visits. Outside the events calendar, it's simply a peaceful place to pause while exploring central El Prat.

Frequently asked questions

Is Jardins del Cementiri Vell a cemetery or a park? It's primarily a town square and garden bordering El Prat's old, protected cemetery (Cementiri Vell / Cementiri de l'Est), which is itself a separate site worth visiting on its own.

What's the quickest way to get there from Barcelona? Take metro line L9 Sud to Les Moreres station, then walk about five minutes — the simplest option for most travelers, with no transfers needed.

Is it worth stepping into the old cemetery itself? Yes, for the architecture alone: niche walls with semicircular arches, corner chapels, and cypress-lined paths make it an interesting example of 19th-century Catalan funerary design.

When should you plan your visit? For atmosphere and events, aim for the Festa Major, the Feria de la Palmira, or the Dansa Metropolitana festival; for a quiet visit, any ordinary weekday works fine.