Barcelona is inextricably associated with the work of Antoni Gaudi, but in addition to the famous Sagrada Familia or Park Güell, the brilliant architect also left behind lesser-known but equally fascinating works.

The Bellesguard Tower, also known as Casa Figueres, is a real hidden treasure that escapes the attention of most tourists. Built between 1900 and 1909, it pays homage to the medieval residence of King Martin I of Aragon, which was located on the exact same spot. Here Gaudi masterfully combined elements of modernism with Gothic aesthetics to create a building of extraordinary symbolism. The stone and brick facade is decorated with mosaics in Catalan colors, and the slender tower is topped with a distinctive cross with four arms. Interestingly, the name 'Bellesguard' means 'beautiful view' and indeed - the building's terrace offers a stunning panorama of Barcelona. Inside you can admire Gaudi's typical architectural solutions: organic shapes, colorful stained glass windows and thoughtful details. The tower remained in private hands until 2013, when it was opened to the public.

Casa Vicens, on the other hand, is Gaudi's first significant work, designed for industrialist Manuel Vicens as a summer residence. Built between 1883 and 1885, it is a fascinating example of the architect's early work, which shows inspiration from Moorish and Oriental art. The facade of the building catches the eye with its colorful ceramic tiles with floral motifs, alluding to the marigolds that grew on the plot before construction began. Inside, the richness of the details impresses: hand-painted ceilings, original Gaudi-designed furniture and innovative spatial solutions. Casa Vicens remained inaccessible to the public for a long time, being a private residence. It was only in 2017, after extensive renovation, that it was transformed into a museum, providing an opportunity to learn about the origins of Gaudi's genius.

The crypt in Colonia Güell, on the other hand, is an unfinished church that was part of a workers' settlement founded by industrialist Eusebi Güell. Construction began in 1908, but after the founder's death in 1914, work was stopped, leaving only the crypt, which was to be the lower part of the church. It was here that Gaudi experimented with architectural solutions that he later applied to the Sagrada Familia. The crypt impresses with its organic forms, sloping columns made of basalt and volcanic rock, and colorful stained glass windows. Of particular interest are the benches designed by Gaudi - ergonomic and comfortable despite their austere appearance. The building is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a fascinating example of the architect's innovative approach to building construction.

Barcelona hides in its backstreets places of extraordinary history that are often overshadowed by more famous attractions. One such treasure is the Chapel of St. Agatha, a gem of Gothic architecture hidden in the heart of the Barri Gòtic. Built between 1302 and 1319 at the behest of King James II of Aragon as part of the Royal Palace, the chapel impresses with its elegant simplicity and atmosphere of medieval spirituality. Inside is a true jewel of Catalan art - the retable (altarpiece) of St. Eligius by Jaume Huguet from the 15th century, considered one of the most important works of Gothic painting in Catalonia. Composed of 12 panels, it depicts scenes from the life of the saint, patron saint of goldsmiths and jewelers.

The chapel is linked to a fascinating legend about St. Agatha, a Sicilian martyr whose relics were said to protect the city from natural disasters. According to local legends, when Barcelona was under siege by the Moors, the saint was said to have appeared on the city walls, warding off the invaders. The chapel is part of the Barcelona Museum of History (MUHBA) complex, allowing visitors to combine a tour with the discovery of the remains of the Roman city of Barcino, located in the basement.

The Olympic Ring on Montjuïc Hill is a sports complex built for the 1992 Summer Olympics, which changed the face of the city. The centerpiece is the impressive Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, originally built for the 1929 World Exposition and then completely rebuilt for the Games. The stadium can hold more than 60,000 spectators and has witnessed many historic moments, including the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympics. Next to the stadium is a distinctive telecommunications tower designed by Santiago Calatrava, whose sloping structure symbolizes an athlete holding the Olympic torch.

It is interesting to note that during preparations for the Games, the remains of a medieval necropolis were discovered, which delayed construction work. Today, the Olympic Ring is not only a memorial to the sports festivities, but also a recreational space for locals and tourists, offering spectacular views of the city. The complex also includes the Sant Jordi Sports Palace, designed by Japanese architect Arat Isozaki, and the Olympic swimming pool, which offers one of the most beautiful panoramas of Barcelona.

It is worth noting that both the Chapel of Sant Agata and the Olympic Ring represent two different facets of Barcelona - the medieval heritage and the modern transformation of the city. The chapel impresses with its intimate atmosphere and rich detailing, while the Olympic complex impresses with its grandeur and modern architectural features. The Chapel is available year-round as part of a ticket to the Barcelona History Museum, while the Olympic Ring can be visited both individually and with a guide, who will give a behind-the-scenes look at the organization of the Games and their impact on the city's development. History buffs will find a visit to the chapel more worthwhile, while architecture and sports fans will appreciate the Olympic complex.

Barcelona, despite its urban nature, offers delightful oases of greenery that provide a great alternative to crowded parks and gardens. The Jardins de Mossèn Costa i Llobera is a true paradise for botany lovers, tucked away on the slopes of the Montjuïc hill. Founded in 1970 and named after the Catalan poet Miquel Costa i Llobera, this remarkable garden specializes in cactus plants and succulents. Covering an area of more than 6 hectares, it has amassed an impressive collection of more than 800 plant species from different climatic zones, mainly from the desert and semi-desert regions of America, Africa and Australia.

The garden has been terraced, taking advantage of the natural terrain, allowing visitors to enjoy panoramic views of the harbor and the Mediterranean Sea. Particularly impressive are the huge Pachycereus cacti, some reaching heights of more than 10 meters, and a variety of agaves, aloes and euphorbias. An interesting feature is the irrigation system, which was specially designed to mimic natural desert conditions - the plants receive intensive but infrequent watering. The garden is also home to several species of birds that have taken a liking to the site, creating a small enclave of biodiversity in the heart of the city.

Just a few hundred meters away are the Jardins de Laribal, representing a completely different character. This romantic Mediterranean-style garden was designed by Jean Claude Nicolas Forestier and Nicolau Maria Rubió i Tudurí in the early 20th century, as part of preparations for the 1929 World Exposition. The gardens are stunning with lush vegetation typical of the Mediterranean region: cypresses, pines, cork oaks and numerous species of flowers and ornamental shrubs.

A distinctive feature of the Jardins de Laribal are cascading terraces connected by romantic paths, pergolas overgrown with glycine and numerous fountains and ponds. The most famous spot is the Font del Gat (Fountain of the Cat), which is associated with a local legend about a beautiful girl named Marieta who met her beloved there. The story inspired a popular Catalan song. The garden also has a charming restaurant, La Font del Gat, housed in a modernist building, where you can relax and enjoy local specialties.

Comparing the two gardens, Jardins de Mossèn Costa and Llobera offer a more exotic and unique experience, focusing on vegetation not naturally encountered in Europe. This is the perfect place for those interested in botany and looking for peace and quiet away from the tourist hustle and bustle. The Jardins de Laribal, on the other hand, attract with its romantic atmosphere, classical beauty and historical references. They are more accessible to the average tourist and offer more places to relax in the shade.

It's worth noting that both gardens are located on Montjuïc Hill, allowing you to combine your visit with other attractions in the area, such as the Olympic Ring or Montjuïc Castle. The Jardins de Mossèn Costa and Llobera are particularly beautiful in early spring and late fall, when many of the cacti are in bloom, while the Jardins de Laribal are at their best from late spring to early fall, when the roses and glycines are in bloom. Both gardens are free to visit, which is an added bonus compared to some of Barcelona's paid attractions.