Check out the view of Barcelona from Montjuic Castle
In Barcelona, many places exist to see the city from above and enjoy the sunset. If you’re in Barcelona and want to see the panoramic view of the city, you should definitely add Montjuïc Castle to your list.
Located at the top of Montjuïc Mountain, you’ll find plenty of historical facts. Because The Battle of Montjuïc took place here in 1641 during the Reapers’ War. You will see the traces of the history of Catalonia and Spain closely when you visit castell de montjuïc.
Montjuic Castle houses seasonally scheduled temporary exhibitions in the chambers surrounding the parade ground. Additionally, it houses the Montjiuc Interpretation Center, which has ongoing exhibits that describe the growth and background of both the Castle and the Hill.
When to Visit Montjuic Castle?
Montjuic Castle is open every day of the year between 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. from March 1 to October 31 and for the other months, it’s open until 6 p.m. except December 25 – January 1. The general admission is 5 € and reduced admission is 3 € for seniors and children.
Also, you can visit Montjuic Castle every Sunday after 3 p.m. for free. However, there are some other special days for free entrance for the whole day which you can check out from the website of Castell de Montjuic. Keep in mind that even if it’s free to enter, you have to book the ticket before your visit.
How to Reach the Montjuic Castle?
You can take the 150 bus from Pl Espanya directly if you want to go by bus. Also, you can use the green line ( L3) metro to Para-lel and take a funicular for free. After you reach there by funicular you can take de montjuïc cable car (Teleferic de Montjuic) for 10 € or you can take the 150 bus if you wish. If you’re a person who likes walking, you can even walk to the hill. Don’t be surprised if you see some beautiful gardens while you’re walking!
The History of Montjuic Castle
The meaning of Castell de Montjuic refers to “Jewish Mountain” in Catalan and is said to be a reference to the old Jewish cemetery that was uncovered on its southern flank.
The origins of the castle go back to 1640 and a year later in 1641, the castle was the scene of its first battle called Reapers’ War (Catalan Revolt) until 1659. Also, the castle became a symbol after the Catalan defeat to Spain in 1714 during Spanish Civil war.
The castle’s current appearance comes from the middle of the 18th century, when Juan Martín Cermeño, a military engineer, was hired to renovate it after it had suffered significant damage during the conflict. Al General Franco inaugurated the castle’s transformation into a military museum in 1963. Up until that time, the castle served as a military prison before being returned to the city and became an army base.
Castell de Montjuic currently belongs to all Barcelona residents as it was acquired by the city council of Barcelona in 2007. Also, it is possible to see some cannons when you visit there.
Montjuic Park and MNAC Museum
After enjoying the wonderful view of the Montjuic Castle, you can also walk down to the city center through Montjuic Park. The park stretches from the castle to Plaza Espanya with its magnificent botanical gardens. Also, there is a MNAC Museum (National Art Museum of Catalonia).
The museum is the largest and most significant museum in Barcelona, displaying about 260,000 works of art. The MNAC is home to the most significant collection of Catalan artwork from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Neoclassicism, realism, and modernism were among the stages of art history that underwent transformation throughout this period.
The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the summer and it is only closed on Monday and Sunday after 3 p.m. The general admission is 12€ and the basic ticket is 2€. To explore the museum with a guide, the ticket is 4€. Access to the museum every Saturday from 3 p.m. and every first Sunday of the month is free.
Magic Fountain at Montjuic
The fountain has been a popular tourist destination and one of Barcelona’s most recognizable landmarks ever since it was constructed.
The famed 15-minute music and light performances each evening at half-hour intervals highlight the fountain’s jets with varying hues and colors. It continues to be an unquestionably fascinating and exciting spectacle.
However, due to the drought, the Magic Fountain is currently closed to save water. You should make sure if it’s open, before you visit the fountain.
Montjuic Stadium
Montjuic Stadium was originally built in 1927 for the 1929 International Exposition in the city and it is known as Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium as well. It is the 6th largest stadium in Spain and the 2nd largest in Catalonia with a current capacity of 54,367 seats.
It will serve as FC Barcelona’s home stadium for the upcoming 2023–24 season due to Camp Nou’s redevelopment.
What Else About Barcelona?
You can check out the other stunning views from the hills such as Tibidabo and Bunkers del Carmel. If the weather is good, you will see all the famous landmarks and Mediterranean Sea as well.
If you’re interested in learning more about different areas of the city, check our Barcelona Walking Tour for more information. We are visiting all the city’s most well-known locations that are must-sees for everyone. Also to explore other places or to see what to do in Barcelona, you should check our blog for other content..
