Interesting Facts about the District of Horta

The district of Horta is one of the lesser known districts among tourists and other people who visit Barcelona, but it actually has some very interesting places worth visiting. Horta is a vast district, located in the upper part of the city, and it is limited by the Collserola mountain range.

With multiple green zones and a lower population density (compared to other areas in the Catalan capital), this is the ideal district for families. Today, this article by ShBarcelona will discuss some interesting facts about this district. Let’s get to know Horta a little bit better!

Horta is one of the quietest districts in Barcelona and not frequently visited by tourists. And that is why today, we would like to focus on this district in Barcelona. Maybe we will even have some information that will surprise you.

Related article: Discover the district of Horta-Guinardó

Horta, one of Barcelona’s least known districts

• The district consists of 10 very different neighbourhoods, such as El Baix Guinardó, El Guinardó, Can Baró, El Carmel, La Font d’en Fargues, Horta, La Clota, Sant Genís dels Agudells, La Teixonera and La Vall d’Hebron.
• Up until the 10th century, the neighbourhood of Horta as we know it today, was an independent village, and it was mainly known for its many agricultural activities and areas, because the soil was very fertile here and there was plenty of water.
• But as time went by, it actually became one of the most flourishing agricultural zones, with estates and farms being built. These would later become Horta’s urban core, and that is what we can still see now.
• At the beginning of the twentieth century new industries established in the district, and these were mainly water related, but they were also leather factories and flour mills. Very special at this time were the washing ladies, and they became very popular with the upper class society in Barcelona.
• It is one of the most diverse districts in the city, both for its location and its socioeconomic status.
• It may surprise you that Horta is part of a big city and not a small village. It truly feels like a small municipality, where everyone knows and greets each other, neighbours put their plants out on the street and green surroundings breathe peacefulness and a certain intimacy. Horta has definitely not lost its rural feel.
• Plaza Elvissa is a small square where most of the social and commercial life of Horta comes together. It is clearly its nerve centre. It is as if you are at a village square, with several tapas bars and their terraces and a few retail shops. Besides that, the plaza also functions as the main location for markets and festivals.

Related article: Best bars in Horta-Guinardó

• Photo by albir via Visualhunt

  Horta’s Labyrinth Park is one of the most interesting sights to see in this part of the city. It is part of a bigger complex, and there is an imposing palace, built by the famous Desvalls family.

• Horta’s Labyrinth Park is the oldest park in Barcelona, and it was built between the 18th and 19th century. This was also the official place where kings and other historical figures met.
• Horta is the district with the best environmental characteristics: a good location, ideal temperatures, low pollution, lower population density and lots of nature. It is surrounded by mountains, and it also enjoys excellent views of the Catalan capital and the Mediterranean sea.

*Main photo by Jordi Domènech i Arnau via Visualhunt

What interesting facts or information do you have about Horta?