C dels Germans Desvalts,
Mundet

The beautiful formal gardens of the 18th century Torre Sobirana were private until 1971, when its owners swapped them for a more central site on the Diagonal. A cypress maze forms the heart of the garden, surrounded by temples, pools and cascades. Well worth the trip despite its somewhat edge of town location.

There's more than a touch of the white rabbit in the Horta maze -- its captives scampering Alice in Wonderland-like between the steep green walls, chasing hastily from dead end to dead end, until meeting finally in a buzz of excitement at the centre. But, it's only just begun, now there are eight arched exits to choose, and everyone thinks they know the secret...

contributor: Nigel Hayler