What can you see on Montjuic mountain? Montjuic in Barcelona: nine attractions on one mountain Opening hours of the National Assembly of Palau
Spanish archaeologists have found that on the top of the Montjuic hill, overlooking a bay convenient for anchoring ships, Celtic settlements were located in ancient times. There was a lighthouse here, which also served as a watchtower.
The Romans who conquered these lands erected a temple of Jupiter on the top, which gave the name to the hill - Montjuic. This is how its Latin name sounds in Catalan - Mons Iovis (Mountain of Jupiter). One of the first written references to Mount Montjuic can be found in the work of the Roman geographer Pomponius Mela, written in 43 AD. e.
Another version of the origin of the name appeared later, in the Middle Ages. At that time, on the slopes of the mountain there was a large Jewish cemetery, which is confirmed by archaeological data. The word "Montjuic" in the Catalan language is consonant with the concept of "Jewish Mountain".
For several thousand years, since the times of the ancient Iberians and Romans, Montjuic served as a quarry for the extraction of durable pinkish quartzite sandstone, which is used to line the facades of most ancient buildings in Barcelona. Back in the 19th century, there were caves on the slopes of Montjuïc with traces of sites of primitive Neolithic tribes, but they were swallowed up by quarries. Stone mining here was stopped only in 1957. Vertical sections of rocks are still visible today on the northern and western slopes of the mountain. Today there are excursions to them. Patterned prints of algae and fossilized shells of sea mollusks that lived in past geological eras, when Montjuïc was just forming on the bottom of the prehistoric ocean, are clearly visible here.
The depths of the mountain are rich in quartz veins containing ornamental and semi-precious stones. Finds made during the construction of underground communications and building foundations indicate the existence of Bronze Age Iberian settlements on the slopes of Montjuïc. In local souvenir shops, collectors will find selections of minerals collected from scree in old quarries - beautiful crystals of clear quartz and blue amethyst, druses of jasper and agate, semi-precious opals and chalcedony.
On Via Magoria, winding along the slope of Montjuic mountain, a Phoenician settlement of the 7th century BC was discovered in 1984. e. with samples of characteristic ceramics. In the area of the ancient necropolis, traces of the presence of the ancient Greeks were found. Beautiful Attic vases and other finds from these excavations can be viewed in the Archaeological Museum. On the slopes of Montjuïc, in the area of the castle and port, several silos were discovered - huge ceramic vessels used for storing grain, olive oil and other products. The volume of silos is from 20 to 80 thousand liters. These capacious storage facilities testify to the lively maritime trade of ancient times.
For centuries, the wooded mountain towered over Barcelona, and the city's neighborhoods gradually rose higher and higher along its slopes, coming close to the castle at the top. The appearance of Montjuic mountain changed radically in the 20th century, its landscape and development were influenced by two significant events - the World Exhibition held in Barcelona in 1938 and the 1992 Olympic Games.
For Expo 1938, dozens of exhibition pavilions and other structures were erected on Mount Montjuïc, including a cable car, restaurants, viewing platforms, fountains, and sculptures. The exhibition complex occupied 160 hectares. Landscape designers turned this area into a beautiful park area, and for Spanish architects, the World Exhibition became a platform for demonstrating new architectural styles that replaced modernism. During this period, most of the large buildings for museums and art galleries that tourists admire today were built in the parks and streets of Sants-Montjuïc.
The second wave of reconstruction began before the 1992 Olympics, which Barcelona hosted. Many sports facilities were opened on Montjuïc Mountain, and the Olympic flame lighting and closing ceremonies of the Games were held here.
Attractions of Montjuic
The architectural dominant of the Montjuic hill is the castle, which bears the name of the mountain. This mighty fortress was built in 1640 and significantly expanded in 1751. For several centuries, the fortress served as a political prison and gained a dark reputation as a place of terrible torture and executions. Only in the 60s of the last century, General Franco ordered the transfer of the castle to the civil authorities of Barcelona, but with the condition of organizing a military museum on its premises. The dictator's order was carried out. Now the Military History Museum is located here, where an extensive collection of weapons is exhibited, as well as a countless army of tin soldiers in the uniform of all times and peoples. The castle's courtyards are decorated with lawns and boxwood bushes; the walls and towers are overgrown with evergreen ivy. They resemble the scenery for fairy-tale productions and serve as an excellent backdrop for historical films.
A magical fountain with rhythmic lighting was built in the park for the opening of Expo 1938. But half a century later, for the 1992 Olympics, it was turned into a whole cascade of fountains flowing down to two towers in Plaza de España, and the dance of 3,620 jets was supplemented with musical accompaniment. The grandiose fountains have become one of the symbols of Barcelona; the mesmerizing spectacle attracts 2.5 million tourists every year.
From April 30 to September 30, from Thursday to Sunday, the light and sound show starts at 21:00 and lasts two hours. Spectators arrive early, taking seats at cafe tables surrounding the fountains. Latecomers crowd on the viewing platforms and on the steps of the stone stairs. At the end of the tourist season, the show is not held every day; you can check the days the fountain is open on site.
The upper fountain has four columns with Ionic capitals, which are a symbol of autonomous Catalonia. They represent the four stripes on the banner of the ancient kings of Aragon and the counts of Barcelona. These iconic columns, reminding the Catalans of their lost independence, irritated the central government in Madrid and were demolished in 1928 on the orders of military dictator General Miguel Primo de Rivera. In 2010, by decision of the government of the Catalan Autonomy, the symbolic columns were restored.
The Spanish Village is located nearby. This open-air museum features life-size replicas of famous historical buildings from different cities and regions of Spain. Surrounded by fortress walls, 117 buildings were erected on an area of 49,000 m². It has its own streets and squares where fairs and carnivals are held. The town is full of shops and restaurants, there is a theater and nightclubs, and there are craft workshops that produce a variety of souvenirs. Art galleries display private art collections, including little-known drawings by Salvador Dali, Picasso and other famous artists.
There are many viewing terraces on the slopes of Montjuïc Mountain; the most popular viewing point is the Mirador del Alcalde. There are telescopes installed here, through which curious tourists view the port and colorful buildings of Barcelona.
The mountain's modern attractions include the 136-meter Montjuïc TV tower, also known as La Torre Telefonica. This futuristic structure made of silver stainless steel was built for the 1992 Olympic Games to provide television coverage of the competition. The fantastic contour of the graceful television tower seems to ignore the gravity of the planet and resembles a curved joystick for controlling a spaceship. The tower also serves as a giant sundial. Its concrete base is decorated with typical Catalan mosaics made from fragments of glazed ceramics and pieces of multi-colored glass.
The striking flexible plastic silhouette of the Montjuïc TV tower was borrowed by the designers when creating the figurine of the prestigious prize, annually awarded to the winning racing drivers on the Spanish Formula 1 competition circuit.
The architectural heritage of the Olympics on Mount Montjuic includes the Luis Companys stadium, swimming pools, running tracks with stands, and volleyball courts. The Sports Palace, built at the foot of the mountain, has been turned into the Barcelona Musical Theatre.
In one of the stone quarries on the slope of Montjuic mountain, an open amphitheater was erected, reminiscent of the theaters of Ancient Greece. Its stone benches accommodate 2,000 spectators. During the tourist season, the Greek Festival is held here, occupying a prominent place in the calendar of annual European cultural events. From June to August, artists from different countries perform on this stage, music and dance shows, and folklore performances are organized. The theater is surrounded by terraces on which there are gardens of orange trees, vines, jasmine bushes, roses and aromatic herbs. The gardens have fountains, ponds with water lilies, walking alleys, stairs and gazebos. In summer there is an open-air restaurant.
Parks and museums
On the northwestern slopes of Montjuïc, the Barcelona Botanical Garden is located, spread over 14 hectares. The garden features mainly Mediterranean flora. Alleys with signs lead tourists to plants brought from Australia, South Africa and America. A separate sector represents the flora of the Canary Islands.
Avenida del Estadia leads to another botanical garden known as the Historic Garden. It is located in former quarries. Here you can view endemic plants from all over the world and see the tallest trees that grow in Barcelona.
The park is surrounded by the most beautiful building on Montjuic mountain - the National Palace, which closes the perspective of Plaza de España. The palace, built in the Baroque style, is crowned with tall elliptical domes and towers, and wide staircases with waterfalls and fountains lead to the entrance. The National Art Museum of Catalonia is located here. It is known for one of the best collections of Romanesque art in Europe from the 11th to 13th centuries, and a significant collection of paintings by Renaissance artists. The museum has created the famous Numismatic Cabinet, which displays 134,000 coins - from the first in the world, minted in the ancient cities of Asia Minor in the 6th century BC. e. The palace has a spacious hall for special events with one of the largest organs in Spain.
Connoisseurs of contemporary art are recommended to visit the exhibition of the Miró Foundation on Avenida Miramar. The museum was created in 1975 by the family of the Catalan abstract painter and sculptor Joan Miró. About 200 paintings by the master are presented here, as well as dozens of paintings by other artists of the 20th century, sculptures, and graphic drawings. On the ground floor there is an exhibition of works by contemporary young painters. The panoramic veranda offers views of the Parc de Montjuic and the center of Barcelona at the foot of the mountain. The museum is open Tuesday-Saturday from 11:00 to 19:00, on Sundays and holidays from 10:30 to 14:30. The gallery is closed on Monday.
The Archaeological Museum of Catalonia is located near the Parc de Montjuïc funicular stop. There is a rich collection of artifacts here; the exhibition tells about the history of Catalonia from the time of the first sites of Paleolithic tribes to the events of the Second World War. The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday. Opening hours – 09:30-19:00, on Sunday – 10:00-14:30. The entrance ticket costs 4.50 €.
A separate building was erected for the exhibition of the Ethnological Museum in the park at Paseo de Santa Madrona, 16. Household items, national costumes, and jewelry from different peoples living in the most remote corners of the planet are collected here. They were brought from the expeditions of Spanish travelers over many centuries. On display are masks and weapons of African tribal warriors, handicrafts from pre-Columbian America, outfits and ritual objects of the inhabitants of the islands of Oceania, and ancient Japanese ceramics. Copies of cave paintings of the primitive peoples of North Africa, equipment of the Tuaregs inhabiting Morocco, and much more are presented.
Restaurants
From the panoramic windows and from the open terraces of the elite restaurants located on Mount Montjuïc, a wonderful view of Barcelona opens. The city is especially beautiful in the evenings, when the buildings are illuminated with colorful lights. Tables by the windows for the evening are booked a week in advance. Here they are called “first line tables”. All panoramic restaurants belong to the highest price category, many of them open in the afternoon, from 13:00, and work until late.
In our brief review, we will name only three panoramic restaurants, located at the very top of the mountain and which have collected many positive responses from tourists.
The Miramar Restaurant Garden & Club (Avenida Miramar, 40) is popular; it is located near the hotel of the same name. This is one of the few establishments that opens in the morning, from 10:00. At this time there are few visitors, you can take a table by the window and have a delicious breakfast while looking out at the city.
Nearby is the El Xalet de Montjuïc restaurant, owner of Michelin stars, which are awarded for excellent cuisine and a high level of service. The owner of the establishment creatively solved the problem with the limited number of seats by the windows. The floor in the central hall rotates slowly, and within an hour each table ends up at the panoramic window for a few minutes.
You can have lunch and admire the city on the terrace of the Terraza Martínez restaurant for a relatively inexpensive price. It serves Catalan cuisine.
How to get there
You can start your journey to Montjuïc from Plaza de España, which adorns the center of Barcelona. There is a Barcelona metro station here, accessible by train lines L2 and L3. There are two 47-meter columns on the square, reminiscent of the Bell Tower of San Marco in Venice. From here, stone stairs are laid along the mountain slopes. Escalators move parallel to them, which take tourists to the exhibition pavilions of Expo 1929, to the Magic Fountains, and further to the National Palace.
From different areas of Barcelona, city buses No. 13, 23, 55, 107, 125 and 150 go to Montjuic.
In the center of Barcelona, in the square in front of the railway station and the passenger seaport terminal, there are stops for the brightly colored Bus Montjuïc Turístic buses. They go to the top of Montjuic mountain along an excursion route passing by the main attractions, the trip is accompanied by explanations from the guide.
An ancient funicular along a 758-meter rail track tirelessly delivers tourists to Montjuïc Castle at the top of the mountain. Its opening was timed to coincide with the 1929 World Exhibition in Barcelona. The lower Parallel station was built a stone's throw from the Piazza di Spagna metro stop. The funicular cars, designed for 400 passengers, stop at the Parc de Montjuïc intermediate station. Here you can go for a walk, and then continue your journey on another lift, which provides a different perspective on the city.
From the Parc de Montjuic to the castle over the eastern slope of the mountain there is a cable car with 55 closed cabins for 8 seats, its length is 752 m. In 8 minutes of air travel you will see the center of Barcelona, admire the cruise ships in the port and the azure of the Mediterranean Sea. The intermediate station is at the Mirador del Alcalde viewpoint. Return tickets cost 12.70 € for adults and 9.20 € for children 4-12 years old. Young children are admitted free of charge. You can only pay for the ascent (8.40 € and 6.60 € respectively), and go down to the city on foot, by cable car or by bus.
Since 1931, there has been an aerial cableway with a length of 1303 meters, leading from the port of Barcelona to the top of Montjuic mountain. The lower station is located at the top of a 102-meter openwork metal tower, where passengers ascend by elevator. The capacity of this cable car is small, only 150 passengers per hour, so tourists crowd into crowded queues. But the views from the old octagonal cabins are stunning, and you won't regret the time spent waiting for a ride on the vintage cable car. At a height of one hundred meters, the trailers slowly move over the port, beaches, the center of Barcelona and landscaped parks covering the slopes of the mountain.
How to get to Montjuic mountain in Barcelona? The local observation deck, located at an altitude of 177 meters, is considered the best vantage point, which offers stunning views of the capital of Spain and its surroundings. In addition, there is a huge number of museums, attractions, nightclubs and entertainment venues on the mountain.
Google Maps / google.ru
Therefore, all guests of Barcelona must climb this legendary mountain at least once, and the following text will provide comprehensive information on how to get to the hill and the most interesting places on it that are worthy of attention.
Where is Montjuic Mountain located?
Montjuic Mountain in Barcelona is located in the southern part of the metropolis next to the main commercial port. It is separated from the coastline by a highway called Ronda Litoral. Translated from the ancient Catalan dialect, Montjuïc literally means “Jewish Hill (or Mountain).” According to another popular version, this hill got its name in honor of the Roman god Jupiter.
It is believed that the Iberians (an ancient Celtic people who settled these lands in the third century BC) had the honor of becoming the first inhabitants of the area, located at an elevation of about 174 meters above the territory of modern Barcelona.
Mario Sánchez Prada / flickr.com
The Montjuic fortress was built in the mid-seventeenth century as a reliable outpost providing security to the residents of the capital of Catalonia. Its bastions made it possible to repel attacks from enemies both from land and sea, but over time the defensive function of the structure was lost.
When Spain was ruled by the famous dictator Franco, the castle began to serve as a prison for political prisoners. It was here that the former President of Catalonia, Luis Companys, was executed. Today, one of the main stadiums in the country, located on the top of a mountain, is named in his honor. The opening ceremony of the 1992 Olympics took place here.
Later, a Jewish cemetery appeared on the slopes of the hill, and at its highest point there was an observation deck, which offers stunning views of Barcelona and its surroundings. At the moment, Montjuic is literally buried in luxurious gardens and green shady alleys, interconnected through a huge number of walking paths.
Botanical gardens of Costa i Llobera and Mossen
These botanical gardens were created in the seventies of the twentieth century on a hillside that faces the sea. The Costa y Llobera garden owes its name to the famous Spanish poet. It is a unique combination of Mediterranean flora with all kinds of succulents and cacti of truly gigantic size.
Xavier Caballe / flickr.com
Thanks to the absence of wind and abundance of sunlight, there is a microclimate here that allows various exotic trees growing in warmer latitudes to feel at ease.
This is interesting! The botanical garden features about 900 varieties of cacti and succulents, several dozen palms and exotic trees. You can meet them in Spain only on Mount Montjuïc, as they are of African, American or Australian origin, and require special climatic conditions.
What is the most convenient way to get to the botanical gardens?
The Llobera and Mossen Costa gardens can be accessed through two entrances. The most convenient way to get to the lower one is by bus number 21, and to the upper one, located on the mountain, there is a regular bus number 150.
There is no charge for tourists to visit the botanical gardens.
The magical fountain of Montjuic is located at the very foot of the hill. Before the 1992 Olympic Games, a large-scale reconstruction of the fountain was carried out, after which it became a “singing” one. The magical atmosphere is supported by a huge number of colored spotlights.
José Manuel Romero / flickr.com
The enormous system consists of 5,000 lighting elements, and the shape, strength and direction of the water jets are controlled by a complex computer system. Colored geysers rise above fifty meters in height, which makes the local water show truly grandiose.
What transport can you use to get to the Magic Fountains?
You can get to the place by using the city metro or by purchasing a ticket for bus number 150 or 13.
Anyone can watch the magic show absolutely free. The schedule of performances varies depending on the time of year.
National Museum of Catalan Art
The museum building looks very impressive, and it itself is known throughout the world for its unique collection of paintings. The Romanesque section of the museum is considered, without exaggeration, the largest and has no analogues. Most of the exhibits presented in the Romanesque exhibition are fragments of wall frescoes and paintings that were collected in Catalan churches and cathedrals.
Leon G / flickr.com
The museum's section dedicated to Gothic art displays paintings by famous Italian masters of the Middle Ages.
The Baroque and Renaissance Hall was created thanks to the efforts of patrons who shared paintings from their collections with the museum. The numismatics department houses a huge number of coins, the oldest of which date back to the sixth century BC. Also open to visitors is a large hall dedicated to photography, a section of prints and a department of drawings.
How to get to the museum?
You can get to the National Museum of Art by metro or bus number 55. The stop is called Museu Nacional.
The cost of an adult ticket is 12 euros. Those who want to visit the museum for free should come here on Saturday afternoon or on the first Sunday of the month.
Montjuic Castle was built by the Celts as a reliable defensive fortification, making the city impregnable. In the eighteenth century, a large-scale reconstruction of the bastion was carried out, after which it served as a prison for a long time. In the sixties of the twentieth century, the Spanish government decided to open a military museum within the walls of the castle.
dconvertini/flickr.com
Today, there are many rare examples of ancient small arms and military uniforms on display here. On the territory of the castle there are medieval cannons of impressive size and other weapons.
How to get to the castle?
Having reached the Parallel station using the city metro, you need to take the funicular (you do not need to purchase a separate ticket for it), then get off at the Montjuïc Park stop and transfer to the cable car, getting off at the Castell station.
There is also a bus number 150 to the fortress, the terminus of which is located in the main square of Barcelona. Entrance to the castle is absolutely free. You will only have to purchase a ticket to visit the central tower, where the military museum is based.
Tour of the city of the dead
The Montjuic cemetery is located on a mountainside overlooking the sea. Here you can look at the majestic Gothic tombs and crypts, scattered among the cypress alleys and deserted streets in such a way that the visitor gets the impression of walking through a real dead city, in which there has not been a single living soul for a long time.
Jon Ander / flickr.com
The cemetery was founded at the end of the nineteenth century, and today it is one of the largest cemeteries in Barcelona. More than one and a half hundred thousand people are buried here.
The remains of many famous Spaniards lie here, including generals, singers, actors and even the infamous drug dealer Franco. According to one version, Enriqueta Marti, who gained the dark fame of a murderer and a vampire who abused children, is buried in a mass grave located in this cemetery. There is a legend that at night her ghost wanders among the crypts and tombs in search of new victims.
How to get to the city of the dead?
There are two entrances to the city of the dead: one of them is located from the main port, the other is located near Montjuic Park.
You can get to the main entrance by regular buses (numbers 41, 26, 6 and 92) or by using the city metro, reaching the Espanya station.
The City of the Dead is open every day from 8 am to 6 pm, entrance to the complex is free.
Spanish Village Tour
A tour of the top of Montjuïc must include a visit to a unique architectural museum called Poble Espanyol (Spanish Village). Representatives of various styles and trends of different eras are collected here, from the most ancient to modern examples.
Oh Barcelona / flickr.com
In addition to architectural masterpieces, in the village you can take part in one of the many master classes where potters, glassblowers, weavers, artists and other artisans teach everyone the basics of their art.
How to get to the village?
How to get to an authentic Spanish village, which is one of the three most visited tourist sites in all of Barcelona? You can get here by train, metro or buses number 150, 23 and 13.
On Saturday and Sunday, the exhibition complex is open all night until the morning, and on its streets there are numerous cafes and entertainment programs. The entrance ticket for an adult is 12 euros.
Video: Barcelona transport – Montjuïc cable car.
Ways to get to Montjuic mountain
In order to get from the central part of Barcelona to Mount Montjuic, the easiest way is to use the funicular of the same name de Montjuic. It was built in the twenties of the last century. Today, in just a few minutes, the funicular is capable of lifting four hundred passengers to a height of more than 77 meters.
Peter Carr / flickr.com
Trains depart every 10-15 minutes and there are many buses. Having reached the final station of the Parc Montjuic funicular, the most convenient way to climb to the top of the mountain is to use a cabin moving along a cable car via a gondola lift.
Barcelona's famous landmark, Montjuic Mountain, is a great excursion destination where you can spend the whole day. Often its name is distorted by adding the letter “t” to it in the middle - it turns out Montjuic. We will stick to traditional writing for the most part in this article.
History of Montjuic Mountain
In 1705-1714, an elevation of 173 meters above sea level was a point of defense against encroachments on the Spanish inheritance. Today on the mountain you can find many interesting structures, buildings and monuments, each of which has a specific place in history.
The attractions of Montjuïc Mountain, which make up Europe's largest park with an area of 70,000 hectares, are open to tours all year round. Many architectural monuments appeared during the preparation for the World Exhibition in 1929. Since that time, Mount Montjuic has acquired the appearance that tourists can see it to this day.
What to see on Montjuic Mountain
At the top of the mountain is the Castle, built in 1640. From the castle bastion (the highest point) you can see Barcelona in full view. The fortress houses a military history museum rich in antiques. Its doors are open to tourists from mid-March to mid-November. Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday from 09:30 to 17:00 local time.
The fountains on Montjuïc are one of the most visited places in Barcelona. They were built in 1929, and already in 1992 full-scale restoration work was carried out (for the Summer Olympic Games). The water of the fountains not only shimmers with all sorts of colors, but also takes the form of various figures. The enchanting fountain show can be viewed from Thursday to Sunday from 20:00 to 24:00 (May-September) and on Saturday-Sunday from 19:00 to 20:00 (October-April).
It is also worth paying attention to the exhibition center of works by the Spanish sculptor and artist Joan Miro. His amazing paintings will appeal to children and will be understandable to them. In addition to paintings, you can also find original sculptures, textiles and other creations here. The Joan Miró Foundation is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 19:00 (October-June), from July to September it is open daily.
The famous Olympic Stadium for 65 thousand people on Mount Montjuic offers a visit to the Olympic Museum from Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 18:00 with a break of 3 hours (13:00-16:00). There you can also explore the territory of the Bernata Picornel sports complex and a huge concert hall built from glass and steel.
How to get to Montjuic mountain
You can take a bus tour. The route is clearly planned and covers most of the sights. How to get to Montjuic on your own? The most convenient way to get from the Parallelo metro station to the Teleferika stop is by funicular. From there, you can take a cable car to the fortress, which is located at the very top of Montjuic mountain along with the military history museum mentioned earlier. After visiting the fortress, going down, you can explore other interesting sights of Barcelona.
Barcelona is a famous tourist center with incredibly beautiful mountain ranges, clear sea waters, and unique architectural masterpieces. The best natural attractions are located here. One of them is Mount Montjuic. It has long been the hallmark of the Gothic city. A military fortress, ancient burial places, museums, palaces, parks, and a botanical garden attract thousands of tourists every year.
About Barcelona as a tourist center
Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain. The Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers allows travelers to enjoy their holidays in the tourist pearl of the country throughout the year.
You can get to the capital of arts in different ways:
Several million travelers visit Barcelona every year. They are attracted by the Gothic atmosphere, hot beaches, unique palaces, and mountain ranges. Famous landmarks include the original houses of the brilliant architect Antoni Gaudi. His unique style and non-standard approach to the design of buildings attracts thousands of fans among local residents and guests of the city. Casa Mila, Batlló, Palace and Park Guell, Sagrada Familia - will leave a lasting impression on tourists.
Hospitable Barcelona always welcomes visitors. The developed infrastructure of the city makes your stay as comfortable as possible. A variety of transport will allow you to get to your destination quickly and comfortably. Hotels, shops, restaurants, eateries, bars will please any category of tourists.
The colorful locals are a separate Barcelona attraction. They imbue the city with a unique mood. Their relaxed, unhurried manner of living will create a feeling of peace and tranquility for a tired traveler.
Barcelona is famous for its natural monuments. The landscape has formed unique mountains. The highest points of the city are Montjuic and Tibidabo. Each of them has an extremely unique story.
Barcelona is the most mysterious holiday destination. Narrow streets, Gothic architecture, ancient burials, green parks, high mountains make the city an attractive tourist center. Local treasures of world culture and history will not leave the sophisticated tourist indifferent.
Mount Montjuic in Barcelona
The Sants-Montjuïc area is located near the center of Barcelona. It is popular among tourists due to its large number of attractions. One of them is Montjuic hill.
Interesting! In ancient times, there was a Jewish cemetery on Montjuïc. For this reason, the literal translation of the name is “Jewish mountain.”
The height of the hill is 173 m. It is located in the southwest of the Old Port. The mountain range has always had important defensive significance. In 1640, a military fortress was built on the highest point. Later a museum was organized there.
Modern Montjuic is famous for its variety of parks, botanical gardens, and original exhibition halls. The cemetery with ancient burials is a unique historical monument. The shady alleys are a great place for walking. Magnificent views of Barcelona open from numerous observation platforms located at different heights.
How to get there
There are several ways to get to one of the highest points of the city.
Cable car in Barcelona
It has been operating since 1931. Stretched from the port to the gardens on the hill. Total length - 1921m. The trip will last about 15 minutes. During this time, tourists will view the panorama of the city. The cabin, designed for 19 people, will carry them at an altitude of 53 to 108 m.
Pay attention! The cable car is the fastest, most fun way to get to the famous landmark.
Opening hours: every day from 10:30 to 19:00.
The cost of services can be clarified in advance on the cable car website. It provides up-to-date information for each season.
Funicular, Barcelona
Its cars are like an elevator on rails. With their help you can move between important points on the mountain itself. A lift connects the park to the upper platform. The total length is 750 m. There are two stops along the route. The duration of the trip is up to 10 minutes. The operating hours of the funicular to Montjuic are daily.
Public transport
From the Paral-Lel metro station or Plaza España go on foot, following the map. In the first case, you will have to move along the embankment and port. In the second, the excursion along the hill will begin with the Magic Fountains.
Cable car
Main attractions of the hill
Montjuic Park
The largest is considered to be the Jardins de Mossen Costra i Lljobera (Mossen Costra i Lobera Gardens). Specimens of exotic plants are located here. A huge variety of palm trees and cacti can be viewed absolutely free. The park area is accessible to visitors every day.
Botanical Garden - Hoy Jardi Botanic
It has been open since 1999. On its territory there are plants for the Mediterranean climate, as well as representatives of Australian, American, and Californian flora.
Fortress (castle) Montjuic
At the highest point of the mountain in the 17th century, a watchtower was built - the first element of the fortress. Its main function is the defense of the city. Over the long history of its existence, its walls have served as a prison, a military installation, and a museum. The military engineer Cremeño made significant efforts to restore the castle.
- In 1751, he built additional fortifications, which have survived to this day. For a long period of time, Montjuic was a prison, and executions were carried out in the courtyard.
- In 1963, the gates of the fortress were opened for visits by local residents and tourists. A weapons museum was organized in the castle. Unique exhibits of soldiers' uniforms, knightly armor, flags, and military documents are collected here.
- In 2007, the building became the official property of the city authorities of Barcelona. Since 2014, all rooms of the Montjuïc Castle are available for tours.
Travelers can get acquainted with the inside of the tower, the water reservoir, and the prison cells.
Important! The fortress is open daily. On Sundays and during national holidays, admission is free.
Montjuic Burial Grounds - the largest cemetery in Barcelona
Its fascinating atmosphere attracts many tourists. The variety of crypts, tombs, beautiful sculptures, and majestic tombstones rightfully make this place the most Gothic attraction of the city.
Famous historical figures, cultural figures, criminals, and ordinary residents of Barcelona are buried here. The cemetery is a unique historical monument.
It can be visited at Carrer de la Mare de Deu de Port, 56-58. Free admission.
Barcelona Olympic Ring
Sports facilities created for the Summer Olympics are located here. The TV tower, the sports palace, swimming pools, the stadium, and the museum have today become famous sports facilities in the city.
Olympic ring
An exciting trip on a cable car or funicular will lead tourists to Mount Montjuic, Barcelona - a concentration of historical and cultural attractions. Park areas, museums, a botanical garden, ancient burial grounds, and a military fortress will give an unforgettable experience to all travelers.
An unfamiliar city always causes fears and doubts in inexperienced travelers. A hint and an example to follow will be reviews and advice from experienced tourists:
- An overview of Montjuïc Mountain should be complemented by a ride on a cable car or funicular. Traveling over Barcelona by air will save time and give you an incredible experience. A stunning view of the city from a height of 100 m will be an excellent start to the excursion or its worthy end.
- You can purchase advance entrance tickets for attractions of interest on the Internet or at special kiosks. Each of them has a website where opening hours, cost of visiting, and directions are indicated in detail. This will significantly save time and eliminate the need to stand in queues.
- There are special cards for preferential use of public transport and cable cars. They provide discounts on travel and visits to many attractions. You can purchase them at kiosks located throughout the city.
Montjuic Mountain in Barcelona is very popular among tourists. It attracts travelers with breathtaking views of the city, cultural and historical architectural monuments. Ancient, mysterious sights are collected on the hill. Montjuic is rightfully considered the hallmark of the Spanish tourist center.
Montjuic (Barcelona, Spain) - detailed description, location, reviews, photos and videos.
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“Jewish Mountain” is the literal translation of the name of this 170-meter hill rising southwest of the Old Port. There once was a Jewish cemetery and possibly a settlement here. Today, Montjuïc is home to several of Barcelona's best museums, the 1929 World's Fair and the Olympic complex built for the 1992 Olympics, as well as a scattering of parks, gardens and leisurely walks overlooking Barcelona.
The highest point of Montjuic is marked by the castle of the same name, from the observation deck of which the city is visible at a glance. From the top of the hill you can walk down to the bottom, passing through several botanical gardens along the way, the most interesting of which is the Jardins de Mossen Costa i Llobera, where a lot of cacti from all over the world grow. Must-visits in Montjuïc include the National Art Museum of Catalonia, the Joan Miró Museum, the Spanish Village, the Olympic Stadium and the Magic Fountain.
First time in Barcelona: where to go, what to see - in our video review.
The road to the hill is entertainment in itself: in addition to the banal tourist bus climbing to the top, you can get here by cable car from the Old Port (transbordador aeri), the cabins of which sway merrily from the sea winds, or by funicular and another cable car (teleferic) from the foot of Montjuic.
The closest metro station to Montjuic is Espanya, at the foot of the hill. Buses No. 50, 55, 61 and 193 go to the top.