Mystery, history and unforgettable experiences These are the main ingredients of Barcelona Oculta Tours, an initiative born from the passion of urban explorers Eduardo Maturana and Olga Ponomarenko, who for years have been offering a different way of getting to know the city.
Beyond postcards
Barcelona is a city with obvious beauty and tourist attractions, but its long (and often tortuous) history has filled it with symbolism, enigmas and corners that go unnoticed to the eyes of most people. The routes organised by Barcelona Oculta are not your typical guided tours. From the traces of the Templars and Freemasonry to the architectural secrets hidden in everyday façades, each tour offers a new perspective of the city.
The proposals are as varied as they are intriguing. If you are short on time, the Express route will take you to see the must-see Roman and medieval Barcelona, as well as the great works of Gaudí. If you prefer a more leisurely approach, the itinerary through Ciutat Vella will reveal the mysteries and legends of the old town, and you will learn, amongst other things, about dolmens, sacred architecture and the Knights Templar. Want a more active plan? Barcelona by bike will take you through parks, beaches and mythical film sets. There are also routes dedicated to modernism and the secrets concealed in some of Gaudí's buildings, such as the magic square of the Sagrada Família or its relationship with the stars and constellations, and even a tour of the most unusual bars and terraces in the city.
Olga and Eduardo, two restless souls
Despite having different backgrounds, Olga and Eduardo share a passion for the city that makes them the perfect guides to discover the unknown Barcelona. Olga, philologist and official guide, will accompany you using several languages and her deep knowledge of history and culture. Eduardo is passionate about urban mysteries and, as the founder of the project, has been able to create a catalogue of routes that can captivate both those who visit the city for the first time and those who think they already know the whole city.
With a clear desire to promote a more responsible and sustainable tourism, Barcelona Oculta Tours adheres to the Commitment to Sustainable Tourism in the regions of Barcelona and works in line with the values of the World Charter for Sustainable Tourism +20. This translates into real practices to prevent, reduce or completely eliminate the impact that their activity has on the city and the environment.
Thus, by focusing on small groups, walking or cycling routes and management that respects the urban and human environment, the Barcelona Oculta Tours offering manages to escape the crowds and connect with the city's most hidden essence.
