Jardins de Cap Roig
Carrer Camí del Rus, s/n
17210 Calella de Palafrugell,
Palafrugell – Mont-ras
Catalonia, Spain
The Cap Roig Gardens, a unique space where nature, art, culture, and history come together
Located between the municipalities of Palafrugell and Mont-ras, the Cap Roig Gardens are, due to their uniqueness, a truly special place. Covering an area of twenty hectares, they host more than eight hundred botanical species, most of which are Mediterranean plants originating from regions around the world with similar climates to ours, such as California, Chile, Australia, and South Africa.
The Cap Roig Gardens were founded by the Woevodsky couple, who settled in this area after arriving from London in 1927. From the beginning, Nicolau Woevodsky and Dorothy Webster set out to make use of the natural terrain and existing vegetation, carrying out an organic intervention characterized by a blend of influences from English and French gardens. The result is a natural landscape garden with a very free style, independent of the trends of its time.
Along the same route, visitors can also access a collection of sculptures featuring works by renowned artists such as Jaume Plensa, Jorge Oteiza, and Santi Moix. These pieces create a unique dialogue with the surroundings—the magical setting of the Cap Roig Gardens, a privileged balcony overlooking the Mediterranean.
The Cap Roig Gardens also host activities aimed at all audiences, including guided visits and literary events organized in collaboration with the Josep Pla Foundation. In addition, since 2022, a new auditorium has been in operation, where various meetings organized by different institutions have taken place, addressing topics such as sustainable architecture and tourism, among other challenges facing contemporary society.
The spaces
The most distinctive features of the Cap Roig Gardens are the castle—the main building of the estate, declared a Cultural Asset of National Interest—and the square-based fortified towers, which form a complex with a medieval-style layout. These were built by Nicolai Woevodski and Dorothy Webster in 1931 and completed in 1975. Another construction carried out by the founders was the Poblat, a group of white houses including a chapel, stables, garages, and a dovecote. All of these are arranged around a small square reminiscent of a Mediterranean-style village, whose purpose was to house the workers who built and maintained the garden. The Woevodski couple also undertook the construction of a pier at Cala d’en Massoni, which over time came to be known as the Russian Lady’s Bath.
Since 2011, when the “la Caixa” Foundation took over the Cap Roig Gardens, the institution’s goal has been to improve, transform, and expand this emblematic site while respecting the environment and the natural landscape in which it is located. In line with this approach, a picnic area was opened in 2016, featuring an organic wicker tunnel and various play structures. It is an inclusive space suitable for everyone to enjoy nature, especially school groups and families.
The Dorothy Garden was created in 2020, surrounded by vegetation, with small water fountains and seating areas for rest. It is dedicated to reading and relaxation. In addition, this area hosts literary activities organized in collaboration with the Josep Pla Foundation.
In 2022, the underground auditorium of the castle was opened to the public, with a capacity for 182 people for debates and conferences. This project aims to energize the natural space of the botanical garden throughout the year.