Just an hour and a half from the vibrant Catalan capital, in the province of Girona, lies a place unlike any other. This is not just a park or an ordinary grove. It is an entire universe, born from the imagination of a single person who spent forty years building his own world from whatever he could find at his feet. Here, in the municipality of Argelaguer, you can forget about reality for a few hours and immerse yourself in a whimsical landscape, where wooden towers soar into the sky and winding paths lead deep into handmade caves.
The story of this remarkable spot is inseparably linked to the name of Josep Pujiula, whom locals nicknamed “Tarzan of Argelaguer.” He was neither an architect nor a sculptor. An ordinary worker, he began his grand construction project as a hobby, as a way to create something unique for himself and his family. Over four decades, with persistence and extraordinary inventiveness, he transformed a patch of forest into a work of architectural art. Everything was put to use: tree branches, river stones, old pipes, and all sorts of recycled materials. From this ‘construction debris’ arose intricate structures up to 30 meters high, tangled corridors, suspension bridges, and huts that seemed straight out of fairy tales about forest dwellers. It was his answer to the monotony of everyday life—a hymn to creative freedom and unity with nature.
Exploring this complex is a true journey of discovery. The circular trail, about five kilometers long, is easy and well-marked, making it accessible to visitors of all ages. The elevation change is minimal—just around 30 meters—so even young children can easily complete the route. The walk takes about two hours, but you’ll want to linger to take in every detail. Among the most impressive sights is the Cova del Tossut cave, a fifteen-meter tunnel with mysterious symbols carved into its walls. Nearby, a fountain gurgles, featuring a complex system of channels and monoliths. The height of eccentricity here is the “4L cemetery”—an installation built on the frame of an old Renault car. Every structure breathes the history of its creator, his boundless energy, and his love for this place.
Time is relentless, and some of the structures have deteriorated and collapsed over the years. Today, visitors are advised to admire them from the outside and avoid entering the most fragile buildings. Yet, even in their current state, this place leaves a lasting impression. The surviving towers, galleries, and terraced gardens continue to showcase the limitless creativity of their creator. In 2014, this unique complex was officially granted the status of a local cultural heritage site, providing it with some protection and helping to preserve the memory of a person who managed to turn an ordinary landscape into a personal kingdom. Information boards placed throughout the grounds tell the story of the project and its creator, adding depth and meaning to the visit. The scenery is especially beautiful in autumn, when the foliage turns gold and crimson, creating a magical atmosphere.
