Sarrià-Sant Gervasi

The district of Sarrià-Sant Gervasi stands on the north side of the Diagonal, at the foot of Collserola Park, the city's most important "green lung". It is the result of the annexation of two villages by Barcelona: Sant Gervasi de Cassoles in 1897, and Sarrià, the last separate village to become part of Barcelona, in 1921.

The proximity of these rural areas to Collserola and their unique natural setting, with springs and green spaces, made them a popular residential area for the moneyed classes in the second half of the 19th century. This is why you'll see "modernista" summer holiday homes alongside the traditional architecture found in small villages. The most outstanding examples are the Casa Bellesguard and its viaduct, designed by Gaudí, and the mansions on the Avinguda del Tibidabo, with its famous century-old blue tram, the Tramvia Blau.

In addition to the many parks and green spaces, with the Parc de l'Oreneta as a prime example, and prestigious schools and clinics, you'll find the Amusement Park at the top of Tibidabo. It opened in 1899 and is still very much in business with modern and vintage rides and attractions. The amusement park is part of the childhood memories of everyone in Barcelona. The Collserola Tower was built in 1992 and stands next to the park. This spectacular communications hub stands 289 metres high and was designed by the British architect, Norman Foster.