The Gardens of the Three Chimneys (Jardins de les Tres Xemeneies) is a unique urban park located in the Poble-Sec neighborhood of Barcelona, within the Sants-Montjuïc district. The space is a creative blend of industrial heritage, street art, and public recreation.
Industrial Heritage
The park occupies the former site of La Canadenca (Barcelona Traction, Light and Power Company), a pioneering power station that played a critical role in Spain’s electrification in the early 20th century. Its name comes from the three iconic red-brick chimneys that rise dramatically above the space—constructed in 1896, 1908, and 1912—now preserved as rare monuments of industrial architecture in the city.
La Canadenca holds deep historical significance. In 1919, a workers’ strike originating at the company led to a national movement that secured Spain’s first law mandating the eight-hour workday. Though the original plant was demolished in 1987, remnants of its machinery—boilers, turbines, and steel components—are scattered across the gardens as sculptural tributes to its past.
Urban Art and Cultural Space
Jardins de les Tres Xemeneies is one of the few legal street art spaces in Barcelona. Its walls are a constantly evolving outdoor gallery where local graffiti artists freely express themselves. This ever-changing display attracts creatives, photographers, and street art enthusiasts, lending the park a dynamic, edgy atmosphere that reflects the pulse of the city’s underground art culture.
Recreation and Community Use
Designed in 1995 by architects Pere Riera and Josep Maria Gutiérrez, the park includes a multi-sport court, children’s playground, petanque lanes, and ping-pong tables. A large concrete block within the space doubles as a stage for outdoor events and performances. Jardins de les Tres Xemeneies is also a popular spot for skateboarding. Though green space is limited, a row of tall poplar trees offers some shade and greenery amidst the concrete setting.
Practical Information
- Location: Avinguda del Paral·lel, 49, 08004 Barcelona
- Public Transport: Metro L2 and L3 (Paral·lel station); Bus lines 21, D20, H14, V11, and 88
- Accessibility: The park is wheelchair-friendly and accessible for those with limited mobility.
