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Unique attractions that you should visit in Barcelona, Spain

Panoramic view over Barcelona, Spain
Home  /  Travel Guide

Barcelona is rightfully famous for many things, including the wonderful architecture designed by Antoni Gaudí, such as the Sagrada Familia, Casa Battlo, Casa Mila and Parque Guell. The city is a popular tourist destination and those who have seen the major attractions might be interested to visit some of the less-known unique, often strange attractions of the city. The following are three of them - a little more off the beaten track and so worth seeing..

1. Labyrinth Park of Horta - Passeig dels Castanyers, 1, Barcelona

This semi-secret maze is hidden in the Parc del Laberint d’Horta, or Labyrinth Park of Horta, in the heart of the city of Barcelona. Work on the labyrinth or maze started in 1791 on what was then the estate of the wealthy Desvalls family. Due to this fact, the park is the oldest of Barcelona’s many green spaces.
Labyrinth Park of Horta, Barcelona by Kris Arnold on Flickr
The maze consists of beautifully manicured hedges with more than 2,000 ft of passageways for visitors to get lost in. Anyone who solves the puzzle and reaches the centre is treated to a statue of Eros, the Greek God of Love, implying that romance was involved in creating the garden. This isn’t all, however, as surrounding the labyrinth are Italianate terraces and pavilions sporting other statues of Greek Gods. At the end of the park is a picturesque pond.

The beautiful gardens were handed over to the city of Barcelona during the 1960s and it is now a public park. As it is off the major tourist track, it is a perfect, secret place to explore and spend some valuable time. There is an entrance fee, which goes towards maintaining the park, but if you visit on Sundays or Wednesdays, you can enter free of charge. There is, however, a limit of only 750 visitors each day.

2. Casa Vicens - Carrer de les Carolines, 20, Barcelona

While you may have already seen some of the architectural wonders of Antoni Gaudí, you may have missed Casa Vicens. The incredible house was the first designed by the architect in Barcelona. Casa Vicens is also considered to be among the first Art Nouveau buildings ever built.
Casa Vicens, Barcelona, Spain by ume-y on Flickr
While you are no doubt planning to stay in one of the many excellent hotels available in Barcelona during your visit, you can just imagine what it would be like to spend the night in this magically beautiful home.

Seven properties built by Gaudí in Barcelona have been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Casa Vicens. The remarkable exterior is part of the beauty, but inside the first two floors are tiled with a beautiful French marigold design.

Now a museum, the furnishings in the house were also made by the Modernist designer and architect and there are 32 paintings adorning the walls by Spanish painter Francesc Torrescassana i Sallarés. The interior design features a number of styles, reflecting Gaudí’s genius,including oriental and neoclassical architecture. On the domed rooftop, visitors can enjoy a view of the beautiful neighbourhood surrounding the building.

3. Festes de Gràcia, Barcelona - Plaza del Sol, Barcelona

This next item is not really a place, as such, but more of a magnificent party held in Barcelona. The Festes de Gràcia is held each year from August 15 (Feast of the Assumption) through August 21 in the Gràcia neighborhood of the city and is one of the more important events in Barcelona.
Festes de Gracia, Barcelona - by Joan on Flickr
There is a major element of competition in the way each street is decorated and often recycled materials are used in a different theme for each. The streets explode with colour and beauty and papier-mâché sculptures adorn the area. Each day of the festival features a lot of drinking, eating and dancing and visitors will often see the famous castellers, or human castles, an exciting fire run and plenty of children’s activities on the go.

Enjoy seeing more of this fascinating city on your next trip to fabulous Barcelona! The city has enough attractions to keep you coming back, year after year.

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Latest update: November 24. 2019