DK Travel : Barcelona : Montjuïc

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

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Fundació Joan Miró

One of Catalonia’s most representative painters, Joan Miró (1893–1983), donated many of the 11,000 works held by the museum. Housed in a stark, white building designed by his friend, architect Josep Lluís Sert, the collection – the world’s most complete array of Miro’s work – was recently extended to include 25 new pieces by him. See Fundació Joan Miró
Fundació Joan Miró Restaurant

A great terrace, views of Miró’s sculptures, plus well-presented modern food with an Italian accent.
Jardí Botànic

These wild gardens offer splendid vistas and hundreds of examples of typical Mediterranean vegetation.
Jardins de Joan Maragall

An avenue lined with sculptures by Frederic Marès and Ernest Maragall is the main delight here. The garden also has the last of the city’s ginjoler trees.
Jardins de Miramar

Opposite the Miramar, with its telescopes and viewing spots, these gardens are scattered with stairways leading to enchanting leafy groves with vistas.
Jardins del Castell

Cannons among the rose bushes, and pathways along the walls of a flower-filled moat, are the highlights of these gardens, which ring the castle.
Jardins del Teatre Grec

Reminiscent of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, this gracious oasis surrounding the Greek amphitheatre is officially known as La Rosadela.
Jardins Laribal

This multi-level park hides a small Modernista house, by Puig i Cadafalch, and the Font del Gat – a drinking fountain, which has inspired many local songs.
Jardins Mossèn Cinto Verdaguer

The best time to visit these wonderfully elegant gardens is in spring when the plants are in blossom and the colours and aromas are in full force.
Jardins Mossèn Costa i Llobera

These are among Europe’s most important cactus gardens. They are particularly impressive as the sun sets, when surreal and shapes and shadows emerge.

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