Desert de Sarrìa, Historic garden in Sarrià district, Barcelona, Spain.
Desert de Sarrià is a wooded historical site spanning an elevated area bounded by Passeig de Santa Eulalia, Can Caralleu Street, and Desert Street, positioned above Ronda de Dalt. The grounds contain remnants of the former Capuchin convent, including the limestone Cavalcador stone marker situated in front of the surviving church structure.
In 1578, the Duke of Ferlandina granted this wooded estate to Capuchin monks who built a convent on the land. The religious community operated the site for centuries until the institution was disbanded in 1835.
The name Desert refers to the secluded woodland that once served the Capuchin friars, and today the site preserves its connection to that monastic history through the Cavalcador stone block, a landmark visible near the former convent church. The space still carries the feeling of a retreat set apart from the surrounding city.
The site is best explored on foot with walking paths winding through the wooded terrain and clear markers at the area boundaries. Weather can change more rapidly at this elevated location compared to lower areas, so layered clothing and sturdy footwear are advisable.
Excavations in the 20th century uncovered decorated plasterwork from the former Capuchin convent, revealing how the monks adorned their living and prayer spaces with care. These discoveries provide clues about the artistic life within the community that once occupied this retreat.
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