Montjuïc: A Hilltop Park with a Rich History

Montjuïc is a hilltop park in Barcelona that offers stunning views of the city. It is home to a number of cultural attractions, including the Joan Miró Foundation, the Olympic Stadium, and the Montjuïc Castle.

Getting to Montjuïc

There are a few ways to get to Montjuïc. You can take the funicular to the Montjuïc station, or you can take the rather recently opened cable car. Some buses, including the hop-on-hop-off bus also stop at Montjuïc. You can also walk up the hill, which is a steep but rewarding climb.

History of Montjuïc

Montjuïc has a long and rich history. It was originally used as a military base, and it was the site of a number of battles, including the Battle of Montjuïc in 1714, which resulted in the defeat of the Catalans and the end of the Catalan War of Succession.

In the 1920s, Montjuïc was transformed into a park and a cultural center. It was the site of the 1929 World's Fair, and it hosted the 1992 Summer Olympics.

Montjuïc Castle

The Montjuïc Castle is a 17th-century fortress that offers panoramic views of the city. It is open to the public for a fee, and it is a popular tourist attraction. The castle has a museum that tells the history of the hill, and it also has a number of gardens and viewpoints. Unlike before, today there is an entrance fee to enter the castle area.



Swimming Arena and Café

The Montjuïc Swimming Arena is a modern swimming complex that was built for the 1992 Summer Olympics. It is located next to the castle, and it has a café with great views over the city. 

The Montjuïc Swimming Complex is open to the public from June to the end of August, from 11am to 7pm. However, the diving pool and boards area are closed to the public, so you can only swim in the pool next to the diving pool.

The entrance fee is €6.5 for adults and €4.5 for children aged 6 to 14 years old. Children under 5 years old are admitted free.

Other Things to Do in Montjuïc

In addition to the castle and the swimming arena, Montjuïc is also home to a number of other attractions, including:

- The Joan Miró Foundation: This museum houses a collection of Miró's paintings, sculptures, and drawings.

- The Olympic Stadium: This stadium was built for the 1992 Summer Olympics, and it is now used for sporting events and concerts.

- The CaixaForum Barcelona: This cultural center hosts a variety of exhibitions and events.

- The Fundació Joan Brossa: This museum houses a collection of the work of Catalan poet Joan Brossa.

- The Botanical Garden of Barcelona: This garden has a collection of over 1,300 plant species.

The locals enjoy the outdoor bars on the hill, and they are indeed great not only for the great views but also thanks to the cooling breeze from the sea.

Montjuïc is a great place to spend a day exploring. There is something for everyone, and the views from the top over the city and to the harbour are amazing.

Location: Montjuïc, 08038 Barcelona, Espanja

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