3 hidden treasures in Barcelona. Want to discover them all?
Plaza Milans, Plaça de la Rosa del Vents and Els Jardins de la Tamarita, despite being rather less well-known spots in Barcelona, are three unique and magical places. It’s true the Catalan capital has a long list of must-see tourist attractions, including the Sagrada Familia, the Gothic Quarter, La Rambla and Paseo de Gracia, of course. But getting lost in the city’s labyrinth streets and discovering some hidden treasures well off the beaten track can be a hugely exciting way to explore what the city’s all about. If you want to know everything about three of our favourite hidden treasures in Barcelona, come with us to find out more…!
Plaza Milans
At just 100 metres long and found in the city’s Gothic Quarter, this quaint little street known as Milans is one of the most unusual spots in all of Barcelona. Despite the fact it is – or was, until now! – virtually unknown to tourists, little by little, the street is becoming more and more famous. That’s all because halfway down the lane, at Plaza Milans, you’ll find a tiny square just 9 metres across.
Plaza Milans, built in 1853 by architect Francesc Daniel Molina – the same man who designed Plaza Real, incidentally –, is becoming increasingly popular. And not just because of the square’s natural beauty, but because of its strange shape when viewed from the bottom up. In fact, the edges of the buildings that surround it create the perfect circle, setting up some of the most amazing photographs that everyone wants to snap for themselves.
Getting to Plaza Milans is very straightforward, as the square is located in the heart of Barcelona, just a 5-minute walk from La Rambla. Simply find Calle Milans and keep walking until the intersection with Carrer d’en Gignàs. Here, you’ll find Plaza Milans, one of the most delightful hidden treasures in all of Barcelona.
Hidden treasures in Barcelona: Plaça de la Rosa del Vents
Similarly, at Plaça de la Rosa del Vents, you’ll find another of the least known spots in town. Situated at the city’s port, one of the most magical enclaves on the Barcelona coastline, the square is not very well-known at all, by tourists or locals in fact.
The peace and quiet makes it one of the very best places to enjoy the sunrise or sunset at Plaça de la Rosa del Vents, which stands just 11 metres above sea level. This makes it an excellent viewpoint for some stunning vistas out to sea and the far off horizon. What’s more, there are several garden areas where you can sit and take in the magnificent sunrise or sunset in this truly unique part of Barcelona.
Els Jardins de la Tamarita
Our selection of the three most special hidden treasures in Barcelona ends at Els Jardins de la Tamarita, the private gardens of an ancient two-hectare estate owned by a very wealthy family indeed. Found in the Sarrià-Sant Gervasi Quarter in the upper part of the city, these gardens are an oasis of calm, a world away from the bustling city centre.
Here you’ll find a beautiful display, from laurels, privets and bitter orange trees, to cypress trees and bamboo, among plenty of other delights. One of the best attractions that draws people to Els Jardins de la Tamarita are its decorative elements, such as the ornate ponds, the stone and marble fountains, the ornamental pots and more. Without doubt, this is a great place to escape the relentless pace of the city and enjoy a quiet moment of reflection to switch off.
As you can see, Barcelona is much more than just modernist architecture and mythical avenues. Make the most of a stroll through some of the city’s lesser known streets, you never know what you might just discover… So what are you waiting for? Come and enjoy all the best kept secrets Barcelona has to offer.
Categories: barcelona
