In the quiet residential streets of the Sant Gervasi district, the Jardins de la Tamarita preserve one of Barcelona’s finest examples of a late-19th-century private estate garden. Created by the wealthy Samaranch family in the 1880s and later owned by the Tamarit family (from whom the gardens take their name), the grounds were acquired by Barcelona City Council in 1975 and opened to the public.

A Victorian Garden in Perfect Condition

The garden occupies around three hectares and combines formal elements — a central fountain, geometric box hedges, a rose garden, a pergola of climbing roses — with more naturalistic areas of woodland and informal planting. The design reflects the eclectic taste of the Victorian wealthy: Mediterranean plants alongside exotic specimens brought from across the British Empire and the Americas.

A small lake with ducks, a collection of peacocks that roam freely through the grounds, ancient magnolia trees, and a charming pavilion add to the atmosphere of an aristocratic country estate that somehow survived intact into the 21st century. The contrast with the dense urban fabric surrounding it makes the experience all the more surprising.

An Uncrowded Retreat

The Jardins de la Tamarita remain largely unknown to international tourists, making them a genuine discovery — a peaceful retreat from the city that feels entirely different from the more famous parks. They are particularly beautiful in spring when the roses and magnolias are in bloom.

Getting There

The gardens are at Passeig de Sant Gervasi in the Sant Gervasi district. The nearest metro is Gràcia (L3) or the FGC Gràcia station. Entry is free; open daily from early morning to dusk.