A big campus

If we go to the privileged area of the upper classes in Les Corts, climbing up to Pedralbes, in the middle of Avinguda Diagonal we find the area known as Zona Universitària, so named because the biggest university campus in the city is located here. In this area, amid office blocks, hotels and faculty buildings, are two of the most iconic of Barcelona’s parks which really deserve a look.

Historical gardens

Inside the Pedralbes gardens is the so-called Palau Reial de Pedralbes,a 17th century masia, or mansion. Originally, this plot of land was part of the enormous Güell family estate, and today, in addition to this “palace”, there is also a historically very important garden Due to their proximity to the university facilities, these gardens are particularly the haunt of students.

Since last year, the inside of the palace has been used as a venue for the Festival de Música Jardins de Pedralbes, one of the most important in the city.

Another emblematic green area in Zona Universitària is Parc de Cervantes, designed by Lluís Ruidor i Carol in the 1960s, an area which contains more than 10,000 rose bushes, including 220 different varieties, and wide paths to stroll down or run along, or places simply to sit in and enjoy the peace and quiet.