While spending your time in Barcelona, Spain you should spend part of your day visiting Montjuïc Castle. It is a historical landmark built atop Montjuïc Hill, overlooking the vibrant city.
Also known as Castillo de Montjuich in Spanish or Castell de Montjuïc in Catalan, it was originally built in the 17th century for its 360-degree view of both the city and the Mediterranean Sea. This fortress continues to be a placement in the city’s rich military history and offers visitors a small glimpse into its fascinating past.
You can come here on your own or as part of a historic city walking tour of Barcelona. While inside you can also take a guided walking tour that included parts of the castle not open to the public.
This location began as a military stronghold, where the castle was involved in countless battles and sieges since its construction. Its first saw action when the autonomous community of Catalonia rose to challenge the King of Spain during the medieval period.
It was a key defensive position during the Spanish War of Succession. During the Napolean wars, it was captured by French forces when they invaded Barcelona. It acted as both a protector of the city below as well as an attacker. Bombing raids of the city were conducted here.
It is particularly famous in history books involving Catalonia because of its usage during the Spanish Civil War between Nationalists and Republicans in the 1930s. It was used as a prison and was notoriously known for its barbaric living conditions and torturous staff.
Execution of key political members, including the Governor of Catalonia was conducted here. In modern times, it serves as a cultural hub of the city with its day-to-day operations being controlled by the Barcelona City Council.
The fortresses contain several museums that provide worthwhile exhibits of Barcelona’s cultural and military heritage. Aside from artwork and sculptures, Montjuic Castle was established as a military museum in the 1960s with weapons such as rifles, pistols, and swords from the 17th to 19th centuries.
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To get here, you have several options. The Montjuic cable car is offered or you can choose to take a bus or private car service to reach the top.
You can choose to get here by foot but it is a steep uphill climb. It does let you see more of the local neighborhoods surrounding the area. But for great views of the city, the funicular is your best choice.
You will start by entering the fortress from the bridge. From here you can see the dug moat which has been cultivated into a beautiful garden with flowered designs and consistent upkeep of the landscape is shown with numerous other gardens surrounding the fortress.
Once you enter you can choose to go at your own pace of exploration. Walk along the wall to each of the bastions and see the large cannon placements.
Make your way to the open parade ground at the highest part of Castillo de Montjuich and see where the living quarters are. Local events also occur here, including movie screenings played on the castle wall and musical concerts for traditional Spanish music.
Along the wall facing the sea, you can see the entirety of the Port of Barcelona below, with numerous ships coming in every day. Stop by the Chapel.
What is better than spending your vacation getting to explore the large castle’s grounds and its strategic position on the mountain, with breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the cityscape unfolding before you? (There are many similar views in Mallorca too.)
It’s because of this that makes it a favored attraction for worldwide visitors who want to get a unique blend of history and natural beauty that Spain offers.
Castell de Montjuïc embraces the numerous layers of Barcelona’s impressive narrative, inviting tourists and locals alike to immerse themselves in a captivating journey through time it is a great starting point for those visiting Barcelona for the first time.
Bio: Nick from The World Overload
Nick is the founder of The World Overload, a personal travel blog. From here he shares his and other world travelers’ personal experiences, popular cultural events, trip itineraries, and suggested destinations for every world-traveling enthusiast.
Nick wants to experience the most of what this world has to offer and hopes to bring you into this as well. He has been to over 30 countries and continues to travel 2-3 times a year while working his full-time job and side hustles. Follow Nick from The World Overload on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest.
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