Parc de les Corts

Parc de les Corts is a small but cleverly designed park in Barcelona's Les Corts district, built on the site of a former brick factory. It's a place where the industrial past of this part of the city meets a calm, water-based landscape design.

Where is it and how did it come about?

The park occupies a rectangular plot between Carrer de Numància and Carrer de Nicaragua, in Les Corts — an area that was its own municipality, Les Corts de Sarrià, until it was absorbed into an expanding Barcelona in 1897. The park itself came much later, opening in 1988 to a design by architect Carme Fiol.

The land had previously belonged to one of the most significant brick kilns in this part of the city, known as Can Macians, or Perelló. That industrial past hasn't been erased: at each short end of the park stands a brick arch, originally part of the kiln's structures. Those arches now frame the park's two ends and give it a distinct identity — this isn't just another patch of urban green space, but a site that keeps a visible link to what stood here before.

What's worth seeing?

The park's main feature is a narrow, winding water canal that cuts diagonally across the plot, connecting the two brick arches. Grassy, gently sloping mounds run alongside the canal and follow its curves, giving the park the feel of a miniature river valley tucked between city blocks. Small footbridges and concrete slabs cross the water at intervals, and the paths running along the mounds are lined with laurustinus hedges.

Water enters the canal through an overflow at the base of one of the brick arches, right next to the park's best-known feature — a sculpture called "Euclidiana," also known as "Los cuatro elementos" (The Four Elements). Created in 1989 by sculptor Lluís Gueilburt, it's a sphere formed from four stainless-steel hoops set with pieces of ceramic, mounted on a vertical post above a limestone base. The piece pairs geometric form with a nod to Euclid's ideas about perfect shapes.

Beyond the canal, the park has a handful of smaller, sand-covered squares, a children's playground, table-tennis tables, and a fenced area for dogs. Despite its modest size, Parc de les Corts works well as a genuine neighborhood park — somewhere locals come to walk, sit, or spend an afternoon with kids, rather than a stop built for tourists.

How do you get there?

The park sits in an easy-to-reach part of Barcelona. The nearest metro stations are Les Corts and Maria Cristina, both served by lines L3 and L5, roughly a ten-minute walk away. Closer still — just a couple of minutes on foot — is the Numància–Parc Les Corts bus stop. A tram stop on Carrer de Numància is also nearby, about a 6-minute walk from the park's entrance.

When should you visit?

The park is open and free to enter year-round. Given its modest size and the water running through it, it's most rewarding in the warmer months, when the canal and greenery offer a bit of relief between sightseeing stops in central Barcelona and the Les Corts district. It also makes a convenient short stop on the way to Camp Nou, the stadium located in the same neighborhood.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Parc de les Corts a big park? No — it's a compact, rectangular neighborhood park, considerably smaller than Parc de la Ciutadella or Park Güell. A visit takes about 20 to 30 minutes.

What are those brick arches in the park? They're remnants of the former Can Macians (Perelló) brick kiln that stood on the site before the park was built. The two arches mark the ends of the park, with the water canal running between them.

Is there anything for children? Yes, the park has a playground, sand-covered squares, and table-tennis tables, making it a good option for a family stroll.

Is entry to the park free? Yes, the park is free and open to the public throughout the day.