Parc de Puigterrà

Parc de Puigterrà is a hilltop city park in Manresa, the capital of Catalonia's Bages region, sitting on the hill that shares its name just above the town centre.

Where exactly is the park, and how big is it?

Puigterrà hill rises to just over 281 metres above sea level, wedged between the road to Vic (Carretera de Vic) and Passeig de Pere III, one of Manresa's main avenues. The park itself covers roughly 4 hectares, and its central position means it's within easy walking distance from almost anywhere in town. It's one of the few sizeable green spaces sitting right inside the urban fabric, and local authorities have long flagged it as a candidate for the city's main recreational green space.

How did the hill turn green?

As late as the early 20th century, Puigterrà was largely bare — a dry, rocky slope with no tree cover to speak of. That changed in March 1932, when Manresa's municipal government launched a large-scale planting campaign. Over the following weeks, around five thousand trees went into the ground, turning the barren hillside into a wooded park. The work fell during the years of the Second Spanish Republic (1931–1936) and formed part of the broader urban greening efforts of that period.

What's the view like from the lookout point?

The park's main draw is the viewpoint (mirador) at the top of the hill. From there, the panorama takes in the whole of Manresa spread out below, with the distinctive silhouette of Montserrat visible on the horizon. That combination — a full city view paired with one of Catalonia's most recognisable landmarks — is what pulls in both locals and visitors.

What can you actually do there?

Puigterrà is primarily a place for walking: paths cut through the wooded slope suit both a short daily stroll and a longer route built around the views. The park is also a stop on a municipal family route designed for children, running from Plaça Sant Domènec toward Puigterrà and on to the Cardener river. In recent years the town council upgraded the park's public lighting, responding to a long-standing resident request tied to safety after dark — one of the few infrastructure investments carried out here recently.

Frequently asked questions

How big is Parc de Puigterrà? The park covers around 4 hectares on a hill rising to just over 281 metres above sea level, in central Manresa.

When was the park created? Planting on the previously bare hillside began in March 1932, when roughly five thousand trees were put in, turning a rocky slope into a park.

What can you see from the park's viewpoint? The mirador at the top offers a panorama of all of Manresa below, with Montserrat visible on the horizon.

Is the park suitable for families with children? Yes — Puigterrà is one of the stops on a municipal walking route aimed at families, linking Plaça Sant Domènec with the area around the Cardener river.