Parc Torrent Maduixer

Parc Torrent Maduixer is a small urban park in Barcelona, located in the Sant Gervasi – la Bonanova neighbourhood at the foot of the Collserola hills. Built in 2013 on a plot of just under 5,000 square metres, it quickly became a local favourite as a patch of green tucked into the city's upper districts.

Where exactly is it?

The park sits at Carrer de Josep Garí 7, in the Sarrià-Sant Gervasi district, close to the Ronda de Dalt ring road. It occupies the kind of spot typical of Barcelona's upper neighbourhoods — calmer and greener than downtown, with views toward the Collserola range. One structural detail makes it stand out: the park was built directly on top of an underground facility, housing the Sant Gervasi district's street-cleaning depot, which covers roughly 3,000 square metres below ground. The whole complex was designed with energy efficiency in mind, including a geothermal pump that supplies the building's heating and cooling.

How do you get there?

Since the park sits in the higher part of the city, the easiest options are a city bus or a taxi — local bus lines serving the Sarrià-Sant Gervasi area stop nearby. Drivers benefit from the park's proximity to Ronda de Dalt, which makes it easy to reach from other parts of Barcelona, and street parking is generally available given the quiet, residential character of the surroundings. This is not a spot that draws large tourist crowds; it's mostly used by people living in the surrounding streets, which is exactly what makes it appealing if you're looking for a quiet break away from the busier parts of the city.

What will you see there?

The park is laid out across five terraces that follow the natural slope of the land — a common solution for the steep plots found in this part of the city, and one that gives a walk through the park its own rhythm, with each level revealing new views and corners. On site you'll find benches, fountains, a children's playground, and generous stretches of lawn and sandy paths suited to running, walking, and cycling. The planting is Mediterranean, chosen so something is in flower throughout the year — meaning the park changes character with the seasons but never looks bare.

When should you visit?

Spring and autumn are the best times to visit, when the Mediterranean plants are in bloom and temperatures are milder than in the height of summer. In summer, the shade of the trees and the open lawns still make for a pleasant stop, especially early in the morning or late afternoon when the heat eases off. The park works well year-round as a short rest stop while exploring Barcelona's upper neighbourhoods, particularly if you combine the visit with a walk toward Collserola.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Parc Torrent Maduixer suitable for children? Yes, the park has a children's playground along with large open lawns, making it a good spot for families to play and relax.

Is entry to the park free? Yes, it's a public, free-to-access municipal space managed by Barcelona's city council.

How much time should I plan for a visit? It's a small park, so a relaxed walk across all five terraces usually takes between 20 and 40 minutes, depending on whether you want to linger and rest along the way.

Is there anything architecturally unusual about the park? Yes — the park was built on top of an underground municipal street-cleaning depot, and the whole complex uses a geothermal pump for heating and cooling, making it an example of urban infrastructure that combines a technical facility with recreational green space.