Parc de l'Aqüeducte

Parc de l'Aqüeducte is one of Barcelona's newest green spaces, located in the Ciutat Meridiana neighborhood at the northern edge of the Nou Barris district, along Avinguda dels Rasos de Peguera. Built on the site of a former makeshift neighborhood football pitch, it now covers over 12,000 m² of greenery, leisure areas, and sports facilities for residents of all ages.

How do you get there?

Ciutat Meridiana sits at the northern tip of Barcelona, right below the Collserola mountain range. The easiest way in is by suburban rail (R3/R4 lines, Ciutat Meridiana stop) or the L11 metro line, which terminates in the area. The park borders the residential blocks directly, so it's only a short walk from the station. This is one of the rare corners of the city where the urban fabric meets the mountains without steps or physical barriers.

What will you see?

The park's namesake is a 19th-century aqueduct, originally built to carry water from the Ripoll and Caldes streams into Barcelona. Its stone arches now carry an ornamental lighting system that, after dark, simulates the flow of water and highlights the structure's architectural details — easily the most photogenic corner of the whole site.

The park itself was designed as an open layout without internal fences, letting children run freely between play zones. Three terraced play areas offer slides and climbing elements suited to different age groups. For teenagers and adults there's a seven-a-side football pitch with a stand, a basketball court, and an unusually generous eight petanque courts for a park of this size. An outdoor gym area with equipment adapted for older residents rounds out the facilities.

When should you visit?

The park opened in June 2021, with its inauguration timed to coincide with the Festa Major (patron saint festival) of Ciutat Meridiana — a good sign that the liveliest atmosphere here comes with summer's local festivities. Construction began in February 2020 and, despite a pause caused by the pandemic, wrapped up in a little over a year. Evening is arguably the best time to visit, when the aqueduct's lighting switches on and the historic structure is shown at its most striking.

Who is this park for?

It's primarily a spot for families with children and locals looking for a quieter alternative to Barcelona's more crowded central parks. The open layout, absence of physical barriers, and direct link to Collserola also make it a convenient starting point for a hike into the hills.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to the park free? Yes, Parc de l'Aqüeducte is a public, free-access municipal space open every day.

Are there benches or rest areas? The grounds include benches and rest spots spread along the terraces, standard for this type of urban park in Barcelona.

Can you reach the Collserola hiking trails from here? Yes — one of the site's main advantages is its direct, barrier-free connection to the Collserola range, making it a convenient starting point for walks into the hills.

What is the aqueduct visible in the park? It's a 19th-century structure built to carry water from the Ripoll and Caldes streams to Barcelona; today it serves as the park's historic and visual centerpiece, illuminated in the evening.