Parc de Can Mercader

Parc de Can Mercader is the largest municipal park in Cornellà de Llobregat, a town in the Barcelona metropolitan area. Spread across roughly 10 hectares of former palace gardens, it has served as the town's main green space since the late 1980s.

Layout of the park

The park's central axis is Avinguda dels Plàtans, a plane-tree avenue running from south to north that splits the grounds into distinct zones. The lower section holds a large recreational area built around a miniature railway track, while the upper section offers a small lake, viewpoint gardens, walking paths, rest areas and a swimming pool.

At the heart of the park stands Palau Mercader, a stately mansion built between 1865 and 1870 for the family that once owned the estate. The building now houses a collection dedicated to plastic and decorative arts and hosts cultural events throughout the year. The grounds are also home to the Museum of Mathematics of Catalonia, a hands-on attraction popular with families.

From private estate to public park

The land once belonged to the Marquises of Alfarràs-Mercader family. After the town took over the property, the former palace gardens were converted into a public park, which opened to residents on 11 September 1989. It was the first public park in the history of Cornellà de Llobregat, a fact still noted proudly in local descriptions of the town.

The miniature train

One of the park's best-known features is its miniature railway, built in 1987 through the initiative of a local railway enthusiasts' association, with support from the town council. Riding the small train along its track is a favorite with younger visitors and remains one of the park's enduring symbols.

Who the park suits

Can Mercader functions as the everyday green lung of Cornellà — locals use it for walking, jogging, and afternoons with children at the playground or riding the miniature train. Because Cornellà sits within easy reach of central Barcelona by public transport, the park also makes for a straightforward half-day outing for visitors looking for a quieter alternative to the capital's busier green spaces.

Between the greenery, water features, the historic palace and its museums, the park packs recreational, cultural and educational functions into a relatively compact, walkable area.

Frequently asked questions

How big is Parc de Can Mercader? The park covers approximately 10 hectares.

When did the park open to the public? It opened on 11 September 1989, becoming the first public park in Cornellà de Llobregat.

What can visitors see besides the greenery? The 19th-century Palau Mercader mansion (now a cultural venue), the Museum of Mathematics of Catalonia, and a miniature railway dating from 1987.

Is the park suitable for children? Yes — the miniature train rides, playground and recreational areas in the lower part of the park make it a popular choice for families.

How do you get there from Barcelona? Cornellà de Llobregat lies within the Barcelona metropolitan area and is well connected to the city center, making the park an easy half-day trip from downtown.