La visit to Barcelona It doesn't just focus on the city and places like the Sagrada Familia. There are many points of interest that do not appear as main in the guides and that nevertheless have much to offer. In this case, we refer to the Castle of Montjuïc, located on top of the mount of the same name, overlooking the city of Barcelona.
This military fortress was built for defensive purposes in an enclave that dominated the entire territory. Today it is a tourist place where you can discover a little more about the history of Barcelona. Although it formerly belonged to the Spanish army, it is currently managed by the Barcelona city council for tourist purposes, so it is possible to visit it.
History of Montjuïc Castle
Before the seventeenth century built a watchtower on this mountain that had the simple function of monitoring the horizon to warn about the ships that arrived in the city. From the seventeenth century the area began to be used as a defense post, so a simple fortification was built at first to repel the troops of the Marquis de los Vélez. In 1694 this small fortification became a castle with some new works that give this mountain the importance it deserves as a defense point for the city.
It was during the XNUMXth century that this fortress began to become a place of confinement and prison. At the end of this century the victims of the workers' struggle and social repression were imprisoned. The 'Montjuïc trial' became famous for the attack on the Corpus Christi procession for the trial and for the subsequent arrests and torture that were carried out. During the Civil War it continued to be a place of execution and imprisonment for those who were considered to be on the right. In the Franco era, republicans and catalanists were shot.
In 2007 the castle It is granted by approval of the President of the Government and the Mayor of Barcelona to the city for its management. The military museum is closed and is used for tourism purposes.
How to get to the castle
It is easy to get to the Montjuïc Castle in Barcelona, since it is a very busy area and there is regular public transport. By bus you can take line 150 that leaves us near the castle, about a quarter of an hour on foot. It can be reached on foot up the mountain, although one of the ways most used by tourists because it is more peculiar is to use the cable car combined with the funicular. First you have to take the Montjuïc funicular at the metro stop of the green line or L3. After taking the funicular you must take the cable car that takes us to the top of the mountain. With this trip you can enjoy great views of the city.
The visit in the castle
During the visit to the castle you can enjoy temporary and permanent exhibitions. But mostly this place has become one of the best viewpoints in the city of Barcelona. From the terraces of the parade ground you can see the city, the Mediterranean Sea, how the planes go down to the airport or the Baix Llobregat area. In this castle you have to take a tour to see everything. From the access bridge with the facade to the terrace, the watchtower, the moat, the covered path or the sea wall.
On the castle page you can consult the exhibitions and performances, which are much more abundant during the summer months, which is high season. There are one-hour guided tours of the castle, to learn the ins and outs of its history and all the details. Tickets can be purchased in advance and it must be said that on Sundays from 15:XNUMX p.m. it is free, as well as the first Sundays of the month, that entry is free all day.
Other points of interest
In the surroundings of the castle you can enjoy some interesting visits that should not be missed. One of them is the famous Magic Fountain of Montjuïc. This fountain stands out because at certain times there are games of lights and colors, with movements of water. It is quite a show that those who come to this area can enjoy. We must first look for the schedules so as not to miss these functions.
In the vicinity of the mountain there is also the Olympic Stadium, in which many of the Barcelona 1992 Olympic Games competitions were held. At present, important musical performances are carried out in this venue where a large capacity is needed, as well as sports competitions. The stadium can be visited from the inside, for which you have to check its visiting hours.