High on a cliff top close to Lloret de Mar, overlooking the rocky coast of the Costa Brava, the Santa Clotilde Gardens have an idyllic setting. But this is more than just a garden: it is a work of art in itself, a part of the noucentiste movement that flourished in Catalonia in the early 20th century.
The Santa Clotilde Gardens are formally laid out according to noucentiste principles
Noucentisme in the Santa Clotilde Gardens
The Santa Clotilde Gardens are a part of the Open Museum of Lloret (MOLL), a collection of buildings showcasing the town’s finest architecture, both modern and historic. Although not a building, Santa Clotilde is included in MOLL because it is an outstanding example of the new wave of design that swept the region in the early 20th century. The gardens were commissioned in the noucentiste style, which was a reaction against the previously fashionable modernist movement (the best illustration of Modernism in Lloret de Mar is probably the chapels of Sant Roma Church).
Noucentisme recalled the principles of Renaissance design
Noucentisme sought to emulate the ideals of the Renaissance. As you walk around the Santa Clotilde Gardens you will note the features of classical design, with symmetry and proportion built into every part of the grounds. And the numerous statues, fountains and ponds add to the feel of a Renaissance garden.
The Santa Clotilde Gardens are full of sculptures
Making the Most of the Landscape
Throughout the Gardens you sense a harmony with the environment. The steep hillside might have been a challenge for the architect, but he chose instead to make the slopes a feature of the garden, incorporating a series of stairways rising up from a central square. The steps are lined with ivy, creating the impression of giant green waterfalls. The landscape of the garden also allowed the creation of miradors and viewpoints with spectacular views over the Mediterranean.
The stairways are covered with ivy, creating the impression of a green waterfall
Again working with the environment, the garden is full of native plants. It has been planted with evergreen trees and shrubs, broken up by occasional splashes of colour: an orange tree laden with fruit, or wisteria dripping from a bower. And the relationship with the sea is not forgotten. In among the more familiar mythological characters are a number of mermaid sculptures, gazing wistfully down to the water below.
A mermaid gazes down to the Mediterranean below
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The setting is breathtaking, and I learned a new term: noucentisme. The return to classicism must have felt somewhat cleansing after all the zany craziness that went before! Lloret has so many treasures.
Stunning photos Karen. I think this garden was one of the prettiest I’ve ever seen. I love the way the foundation is incorporated into the landscape to take full advantage of the views. Your last photo of the back of the mermaid says it all!
Wow, what a stunning garden and staircase – I would love to explore this garden and bring a picnic.
The setting is breathtaking, and I learned a new term: noucentisme. The return to classicism must have felt somewhat cleansing after all the zany craziness that went before! Lloret has so many treasures.
Santa Clotilde Gardens look so tranquil. Almost spiritual. Beautiful.
As I travel, I enjoy visiting exceptional gardens. I've added Lloret de Mar's Santa Clotilde Gardens to my list based on your description and images.
The Santa Clotilde Gardens look breathtaking and it looks like your visit coincided with all the blossoms!
Stunning photos Karen. I think this garden was one of the prettiest I’ve ever seen. I love the way the foundation is incorporated into the landscape to take full advantage of the views. Your last photo of the back of the mermaid says it all!
Thanks Alison. I agree – I’ve been to lots of different gardens and these were among the most beautiful.
Beautiful photos of the plants and sculptures. I love the use of native plants in the garden design. Thanks for the post!
Thanks for your comment. I agree about the native plants – they make the gardens unique.