Abstract
This paper presents a comparative analysis between three case studies that share similar landscape characteristics (the Horta de Lleida on the Segre River, the Hortes de Santa Eugènia beside the Ter River in Girona and the Horts de Sant Jaume in Perpinyà linked to the Tet River). The aim of the analysis is to understand the main changes, analogies and differences that have led to their current stabilization as historical and rural spaces inserted in an urban setting and linked to a watercourse. Additionally, we examine urban planning processes undertaken in the last seventy years to determine the administration’s vision of these spaces and, at the same time, discuss their functionality and dynamics in relation to urban space. As a corollary, we propose the extent to which it is possible to manage these spaces with a view to preserving their historical and heritage value.