Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
GRACIA, TIBIDABO & ZONA ALTA
The Zona Alta(Uptown) is an area covering several neighbourhoods that, as
the name suggests, are in the hilly part of the city. From the moneyed streets
of Pedralbes and Tibidabo to bohemian Gràcia, this entire northern area of
the city offers stunning views and regal attractions. But what really sets this
area apart from the rest of the city is its 15 parks; the best are Gaudí's stun-
ning and imaginative Parc Güell, and the colossal natural park of Collser-
olla, which spreads out like green baize over Tibidabo mountain. Gràcia
stands out as the city's most cosmopolitan neighbourhood. Its strong politic-
al tradition and gypsy community have long drawn artists and writers to the
labyrinthine streets, and it is now home to scores of innovative boutiques,
bars and squares, which teem with life most nights of the week.
1. PARC D'ATRACCIONS DEL TIBIDABO
TakethefunicularuptothetopofTibidabo's517-m(1,695-ft)mountaintovisitthis
traditional amusement park, which opened in 1908. There are a couple of stomach-
churning, white-knuckle rides, butthereal attractions are thequaint, old-fashioned
ones, including a beautifully conserved carousel and a Ferris wheel. Here also is
the
Museu dels Autòmates
, with automatons, mechanical models and a scale mod-
el of the park.
Pl de Tibidabo • Opening times vary • see the website for details
www.tibidabo.cat
• Adm • DA
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2. MONESTIR DE PEDRALBES
Named after the Latin
petras albas
, which means white stones, this outstandingly
beautiful Gothic monastery was founded by Queen Elisenda de Montcada de Piños
intheearly14thcentury.Heralabastertombliesinthewallbetweenthechurchand
theimpressivethree-storeyGothiccloister.Aninterestingglimpseofmedievallifeis
provided bythefurnished kitchens, cells,infirmary andrefectory, whichareallwell
preserved.
C/Baixada Monestir 9 • Open from 10am Tue-Sun. Closes: Apr-Sep
at 5pm Tue-Fri, 7pm Sat, 8pm Sun; Oct-Mar at 2pm Tue-Fri, 5pm Sat & Sun •
Adm; free 1st Sun of the month and every Sun 3-8pm • DA
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