La Mercè at Palauet Albéniz

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Photo by Gisela Jané courtesy of Ajuntament de Barcelona (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0).

The Palauet Albéniz is one of Barcelona’s most special and little-known corners. Surrounded by the elegant Joan Maragall Gardens, this historic green space features numerous sculptural ensembles and ornamental fountains. Constructed for the 1929 Universal Exposition to house the royal family during their stay in the city, it is built in the Neoclassical style, in stark contrast to all the others located on Montjuïc Mountain.

While the Joan Maragall Gardens surrounding the palace are open to the public year round, the building itself is rarely open for visitors. However, every year it opens its doors during the Mercè festivities to show off its reception rooms, including the large dining room and the dome room, as well as other more curious spaces such as the impressively large kitchen. 

Make the most of a unique occasion to visit an historic building while enjoying an intimate, cultural program set in a quiet natural environment. The building is open to the public September 26th and 27th, 10:30-14:30 and 16:00-19:00.

In the gardens surrounding Palauet Albéniz you'll find installations, activities and shows for the whole family, including circus and theatrical performances, clown and magic shows, live music and more. 

What to Do for La Mercè

Celebrated in the days surrounding September 24th, the La Mercè festival program is packed with things to do and see. From parades and exhibits filled with gegants (giants), capgrossos (bigheads) and fire-breathing beasts to giant castells (human towers), traditional dances, correfocs (fire runs), drone light shows, fireworks displays and free concerts, you're sure to find something to delight and amaze you.

But if all the festivities of La Mercè get to be a bit too much, why not take a culture break? Many of the city’s museums observe the holiday with a jornada de portes obertes (open doors). To make the most of your time, take a look at our interactive map with all the locations that are throwing open their doors for free: Map of Barcelona Museums with Free Entry for La Mercè.

See our Guide to La Mercè for a list of the festival's events and discover the story behind one of the biggest celebrations on Barcelona's calendar and the many traditions that make this beloved Catalan holiday so special.

For more events during the Festes de la Mercè check our online events calendar.