The Top Things To Do And See In Sarrià-Sant Gervasi
Sarrià-Sant Gervasi is one of the biggest districts in Barcelona and yet it also seems to be one of the less well-known ones, though this definitely does not make it any less worth a visit. Made up of several predominantly upper-class residential neighborhoods, many of which were previously separate towns, Sarrià-Sant Gervasi still has plenty to offer to those who are curious and willing to venture beyond the city center.
Old Town Sarrià
As a former village that was incorporated into the city in 1921, a lot of Sarrià’s small town charm still remains intact and it is ideal for people who want to get to know Barcelona a bit better. To best take in the scenery, stroll along Major de Sarrià and its adjoining streets and squares. Not to be missed are the Sant Vicenç de Sarrià church, founded over 1000 years ago, and the charming Plaça del Consell de la Vila and Plaça de Sant Vicenç de Sarrià squares that look like they belong more in a small town in the Pyrenees than in Barcelona. Sarrià also has its own neighborhood market, down the street from the Pedralbes Monastery, which is probably much more authentic than any of the others you are likely to find downtown.
1. Bar Tomàs
Bar, Pub Grub, Spanish
Carretera de les Aigües
Ever get tired of the hustle and bustle of the busy Barcelona life? Or feel like you need a breath of fresh air? It’s easy to forget just how easy it actually is to get away from all of the city life commotion. Only a metro ride away from the center is the Collserola Natural Park, which also just so happens to be the biggest metropolitan park in the world and engulfs the Sarrià-Sant Gervasi neighborhoods of Vallvidrera, Tibidabo, and Les Planes. One of its most accessible points is the Carretera de Les Aigües, the pine-laden 10 km ‘water road’ that is perfect for going on runs, bike rides, or even just nice long walks. Take the funicular from Peu del Funicular and get ready to take in some spectacular, crowd-free, views of the city.
Gaudí in Sarrià-Sant Gervasi
This will probably come as a surprise to most people that come to visit Barcelona (and even, perhaps, to one or two Barcelonians as well), but Antoni Gaudí’s work actually does extend beyond his most frequented buildings in the center. Our first Gaudí stop in Sarrià-Sant Gervasi is, therefore, at the Bellesguard Tower. Once a private residence, this building is now open to those who wish to get a complete view of Modernist architecture in Barcelona. Our second Gaudí stop in this part of the city is, despite its small size, something most Modernisme aficionados would probably still enjoy seeing nonetheless due to its hallmark Gaudí originality. Portal Miralles is just a short walk away from the historic center of Sarrià. Finished in 1902, the wall is, unfortunately, all that remains of the Finca Miralles estate, leaving us only to imagine what splendorous architectural creation it must have been guarding in the past. Those willing to walk just a tiny bit further should take the time to visit Gaudí’s much larger Güell Pavilions, located just beside the beautiful Palau Reial de Pedralbes park barely outside of the official limits of Sarrià-Sant Gervasi.
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