Sarrià-Sant Gervasi is one of the biggest districts of Barcelona, situated on the north-west of the city, surrounded by districts of Les Corts, Gràcia, Eixample i Horta-Guinardo, and by the villages of Sant Just, Sant Feliu, Molins de Rei and Sant Cugat. It is formed by the old villages of Sarrià (added to Barcelona in 1927), Vallvidrera (added to Sarrià in 1890), Santa Creu d'Olorda (added to Sarrià in 1916) and Sant Gervasi ("Saint Gervasius") de Cassoles (added to Barcelona in 1897). The first written document found about Sarrià dates from the year 987, and the origins of the village are a Roman colony. The old Monestir de Pedralbes belonged to the village of Sarrià and now it is the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza.
Today, Sarrià still retains a village atmosphere, even in the middle of Barcelona, with narrow streets and lovely houses. However, the expansion of the city threatens this small-town feel with the construction of big modern buildings in the place of small houses.
Part of the Collserola mountain belongs to the district, where the Tibidabo and the Observatori Fabra are, and is a popular place to promenade by bike or by foot, or to stop by the road to Sant Cugat with impressive views over the city.
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