Named the “Jewish mountain” , after an important Jewish cemetery that existed here in the Middle Ages, this sizeable and mountainous park rises 213 m (700 ft) above the port. The park itself was first landscaped for the 1929 International Exhibition, when the elegant Palau Nacional and the strikingly modern Mies van der Rohe Pavilion were also built. During the following decade, the area fell into general disuse and soon became synonymous with decline. Together with the grim shadow cast over the hill by the castle, which for years acted as a slaughterhouse for Franco’s firing squads, it is little short of miraculous that Montjuïc is now one of Barcelona’s biggest tourist draws. However, as the main site for the 1992 Olympics, held on its southern slopes, Montjuïc was given a comprehensive face-lift and the area was transformed into a beautiful green oasis, with two fabulous art museums and a host of stunning sports facilities. All these elements are interconnected by a network of exterior escalators and interlaced with quiet, shady gardens, which offer dazzling views over Barcelona and a welcome respite from the bustle of the city.
For more on Barcelona’s history see Stages in Barcelona's History The funicular connects Metro Paral·lel with the Fundació Joan Miró and the cable cars that continue up to the Castell de Montjuïc. You can hop on and off the Tren Turístic (Tours & Trips), which ferries visitors up the hill from Plaça d’Espanya and back. (April to October). 13th-century altar frontal, Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya-
Morning
To get to the Fundació Joan Miró (Fundació Joan Miró) before the crowds and with energy to spare, hop on the funicular from Paral·lel metro station. From here it is a short walk to the museum, where you’ll need an hour and a half to absorb the impressive collection of Miró paintings, sketches and sculptures. When you’ve had your fill of contemporary art, refuel with a cafè amb llet (Top 10 Café Drinks) on the restaurant terrace before backtracking along Av de Miramar and jumping on the cable car up to Castell de Montjuïc (Castell de Montjuïc & Museu Militar). Wander the castle gardens and look out over the city and the bustling docks. Return to Av de Miramar by cable car and follow the signs to the Palau Nacional (Palau Nacional & Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya), where you can lunch on typical Catalan cuisine with a modern twist in the grandiose Oval Room (Restaurants, Cafés, Bars & Clubs).
Afternoon
Afterwards, spend an hour perusing the MNAC ’s (Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya) extraordinary Romanesque art collection. When you exit, turn right and then follow the signs to the Olympic complex. The Estadi Olímpic is worth a look, but the silver-domed Palau Sant Jordi steals the limelight. Nearby, at Bernat Picornell, spend the late afternoon cooling down with a dip in the fantastic open-air pool. If it’s summer, there may even be a film showing. From here it is just a short stroll to the Poble Espanyol where you can settle in at a terrace bar in Plaça de Mayor and sip a cuba libre as night descends.
-
No prizes for the chicken-andchips style cuisine, but wins hands down for its unbeatable city views.
-
The Fundació La Caixa’s impressive collection of contemporary art is housed in a former textile factory, designed by Modernista architect Puig i Cadafalch. The collection began in 1985 and assembles some 800 works by Spanish and foreign artists, which are shown in rotation along with temporary international exhibitions.
-
A bit off the beaten track, but worth hunting out, this authentic Spanish eatery offers an excellent selection of tapas.
-
Cañota’s superb, traditional, and supremely economical cooking includes excellent game dishes. This place lives up to its phenomenal reputation.
-
The first stone of this Baroque-style castle, which still dominates Montjuïc’s hill, was laid in 1640. It was for many years a symbol of terror as a prison and torture centre for political prisoners. Today the castle houses a military museum that displays ancient weaponry and is to be converted into a peace museum. There are arresting vistas, especially of the port below, as well as enchanting gardens littered with ancient rusty cannons.
-
A viewing area with small gardens nearby, this is the only place in the city where you can see the plains of the Llobregat stretching below.
-
The Olympic Stadium was first built for the 1936 Workers’ Olympics, which were cancelled with the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War (1936-1975: Civil War & Franco). Today, the original Neo-Classical façade is still in place, though the stadium was entirely rebuilt for the 1992 Olympic Games (1992-Present Day: The Olympics & Beyond). It is home to Espanyol football team. See Top 10 Spectator Sports & Events. The Galeria Olímpica holds mementos illustrating the importance of the games for Barcelona.
-
By far the best food in the Poble Espanyol.
-
Below the cascades and fountains that splash down from the regal Palau Nacional is the Magic Fountain, designed by Carles Buigas for the International Exhibition of 1929. As darkness descends, countless jets of water are choreographed in a mesmerizing sound and light show. When the water meets in a single jet it can soar to 15m (50ft). The extravagant finale is often accompanied by a recording of Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballé singing the anthem Barcelona as the fountain fades from pink to green and back to white before silently and gracefully disappearing.
-
Restaurant price categories
For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
-
Advertisement
-
-
Milan and the Lakes guide
collee
-
The Algarve guide
erinca
-
Berlin guide
ivolol
-
terreyp's Paris guide
terrey
-
Stefans Vienna Guide
stefan
-
-
-
Colette's Dublin
colett
-
Paris guide
Gianck
-
dilyana's Madrid guide
dilyan
-
European Balloon FestivalEvery year in the Catalonian town of Igualada, 40 hot air balloons from around the world take to the sky during the biggest balloon festival in Spain, and one of the largest in Europe. Read more
-
International Dance Festival in Urban LandscapesThe International Dance Festival in Urban Landscapes takes place across three Catalonian cities: Marató, Sabadell and Barcelona. For four days, every inch of urban space - public buildings, parks,... Read more
-
SummercaseThe Summercase festival visits the Parc del Fòrum in Barcelona and Boadilla del Monte in Madrid on successive days, featuring an all-star line-up of more than 50 acts. Read more
-
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street BandBruce Springsteen and the E Street Band continue to tour their first new studio album together for five years - Magic. These dates are at the Nou Camp in Barcelona. Read more
![[+]](/images/button-addtoguide.gif)
symbol, to start adding attractions to your
tailor-made travel guide.
