The first time I saw the Parc de las Aigues was from aunt Mari’s apartment across the road. It stands out as a peaceful island of greenery in the cityscape around it. Its main entrance on Plaça Alfons el Savi is right next to Alfons X metro station, a popular jumping-off point for visitors walking to nearby Parc Güel, and Parc de las Aigues is often missed because of this. It’s worth taking a moment to enjoy it.

The park was in fact the private ornamental garden of the 19th-century modernist mansion next to it on the north side. Back in the old days it was the official residence of the directors of the Barcelona water company and was, of course, closed to the public. My aunt Mari remembers those days and still talks about how she and all her neighbours watched from their windows the wedding party held for the director’s daughter in the then-private gardens.

Things have changed and now we can all enjoy this gem of a park which is in fact a mini botanical garden. It has winding paths and shaded enclaves where you can seek some quiet, and in the summer heat, cool off in the shade.

It’s a great space to come with kids and a good stopping point if you are coming down from visiting the Bunkers del Carmel or if you are in Gracia and fancy a break from its groovy yet narrow streets.