Torre de Collserola, Barcelona

Perched on the verdant hills of Barcelona's Serra de Collserola Natural Park, the Torre de Collserola is a distinctive feature of the city's skyline. This slender telecommunications tower, designed by the renowned British architect Sir Norman Foster, was inaugurated in 1992 to coincide with the Olympic Games held in Barcelona.

The tower stands at a remarkable height of 288 meters, with a sleek, futuristic design that offers a sharp contrast to the city's historical architecture. The Torre de Collserola serves a practical purpose, functioning as a vital hub for telecommunications, but it is also a unique tourist attraction, thanks to its public observation deck.

Visitors can ascend to the observation platform located 560 meters above sea level (115 meters above the ground), which is accessible by a glass elevator. From this vantage point, they are treated to a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of Barcelona and its surrounding areas — from the Mediterranean Sea to the Pyrenees mountains.

While the tower may not be as iconic as Gaudí's masterpieces or the bustling Las Ramblas, it offers a different perspective of the city, literally and figuratively. The Torre de Collserola is slightly off the beaten path, located about 20 minutes from the city center by public transport, which makes it a refreshing escape from the crowded tourist hotspots.