Montjuïc

Although not the highest of hills at only 173 metres, Barcelona’s Montjuïc does offer visitors some impressive views across the city and harbour – and much more besides.

Literally, the Hill of the Jews – quite a common Catalan name – Montjuïc has a variety of very different attractions; historical, up-to-the-minute and natural.

Historically, as might be expected, the commanding situation overlooking Barcelona dictated that Montjuïc had strong military connections. Fortified for many centuries, the current castle dating back mainly to the 17th century, the fortress was last used for its original purpose during the Civil war, when both Nationalists and Republicans were executed within its walls whilst the city was governed by different forces. It now houses a military museum.

The more gentle slopes of the hill, which were originally forested, were cleared of trees, mainly in preparation for the 1929 World’s Fair. The grand and elegant Palau Nacional and the ostentatious Font Màgica Fountains, both beautifullt illuminated at night, remain from this ambitious project along with two other places that still attract considerable visitor interest – the Olympic Stadium (Estadi Olímpic) and the Spanish village (Poble Espanyol).

On first appearance, the Olympic Stadium often confuses those who remember the 1992 Olympics as, from the outside, it appears a much older construction. Its insides, however, were completely renovated when it was converted into a 65,000 seater stadium. At present, of course, it is the home venue of RCD Espanyol, although they hope to be moving to their new ground shortly. The stadium is now at the centre of the Olympic Ring (Anella Olímpica) of sporting facilities including the spectacular swimming pool – from where the pictures of divers at the top of the 10 metre platform brought Barcelona’s profile to the world.

The Spanish Village, on the western side of Montjuïc, is a delightful collection of houses in a host of Spanish styles, craft shops and even glass blowing demonstrations. It’s a delightful place to spend a few, stress-free hours.

A sentence, in fact, that can be applied to so much of this charming part of Barcelona – the Nou Jardí Botànic gardens, with in excess of 2000 plants; the cactus-filled Jardins de Mossen Costra i Lljobera; the glass and marble edifice that is the Mies van der Rohe Pavilion; the Greek Theatre sitting on the edge of a former quarry and the various museums and art galleries that have led to Montjuïc being known as ‘the mountain of museums’. Many visitors, and locals, like to take a picnic up to the top of the hill and sit and look out over the city – and there is an outdoor bar near the mirador to help make the experience even more pleasurable.

There are several ways for you to reach Montjuïc. The tourist bus, of course, does a circuit of all the attractions – although, once you are on the hill, the slopes are quite gentle for walking. Many people like to take the Metro to the Parallel and then transfer to the Funicular de Montjuïc, which takes them to the summit, quite near the fortress. This has the additional benefit of being included in the Metro ticket price.

The most spectacular way to arrive, however, is via the Transbordador Aeri – the hanging cable cars that carry you from the Torre de Sant Sebastia in Moll Nou, Barceloneta across to the mountain, via a second tower near the World Trade Centre. Suspended 350 feet above the ground – and sea – this is a fabulous experience – although the nearer you are to the 10.30 start time, the less lengthy the queue is likely to be!