Montjuic is a 173 meters hill in Barcelona. Regards to many attractions and parks Montjuic is very popular location among tourists and citizens. Name of Montjuic mountain translates as “Jewish mountain” from medieval Latin and Catalan. Another source is from Latin “Mons Jovicus’ ‘ means hill of love. Montjuic is the birthplace of Barcelona because of its strategic location on the Mediterranean sea and significant communication channel with Llobregat river.
One of the amazing places in Montjuic is the National Palace. The palace was built between 1926-1929 in Eclectic style (mixture of different styles). Since 1934 the palace became the National Art museum of Catalunya. Here you can observe the best collection of Romanesque mural painting, Catalan modernism, Gothic art, great European Renaissance and Baroque painters, such as Titian or Velázquez. And of course a photography collection. Visit official site to book tickets and more.
Above are botanical parks Ноу Jardi Botanic and Jardins de Mossèn Costra i Lljobera where you can observe many kinds of flora and fauna. Jardins de Mossèn Costra i Lljobera are specializing in cactuses and succulents. From the gardens you can observe the seaside view. Ноу Jardi Botanic hosts Mediterranean plants from countries around the sea.
Also here in Montjuic is the Museum of the Catalan artist Joan Miro. In the museum you can find the most important works by Joan Miro. Also you can find temporary exhibitions of different artists. If you love contemporary art you should visit it. Book your ticket ahead in official site.
One of the oldest buildings on Montjuic is Montjuic Fortress; it was built in 1640. Fortress stands on the top of the mountain, from the observation deck opens a magnificent view of the city and the port. Book your ticket here.
And the last but not least I will mention is Spanish village Poble Espanyol. It’s architectural and ethnographic park-museum with replicated buildings of different regions in the country, craft workshops and market located on Plaza Mayor. Book your ticket ahead here.
As you can see Montjuic is full of surprises.
How do you get to mountain Montjuic?
From the metro station Paralel get a ride to the Funicular de Montjuïc. Funicular will bring you to Avenida Miramar viewpoint. From there you can take a ride by Telefèric de Montjuïc cable car to the Castle of Montjuic.
Places near Montjuic
Plaza Espana
The square was built in 1929 for International Exposition by the project of Josep Puy Cadafals and Guillem Busquets. Plaza Espana is one of the biggest squares and an important one. The square is the intersection of many streets: Gran Via street crosses the square, Creu Coberta Street, Parallel Avenue, Reina Maria Cristina Avenue and Tarragona Street run into the square. Two venetian towers 47 meters high will guide you to the Magic Fountain of Montjuic, if you are coming from Maria Cristina Avenue side. Near the square located Arena of Barcelona which served till 2011 for corrida shows, nowadays is a huge mall with shops and restaurants. The Arena mall has stunning view from the rooftop terrace. As on picture below.
And its free.
Magic Fountain of Montjuic
The fountain near Plaza Espana, it was built in 1929 for International Exposition in futuristic style. The fountain is a symbol of Barcelona and now has musical accompaniment. It took a year to make the project come true, more than 3000 workers were involved. From Venetian towers located on Plaza Espana you can see the cascades of illuminated fountains.
The show was very fascinating and exciting for me when I was there last time. I hope next time I return and hear the fountain again. The entry is free, Show times you can see here.
Almost forgot to tell you, Monjuic mountain is very beautiful place to sketch while walking around. You have lot of things to sketch here: nature, architecture, monuments, museums and people.
Have a good trip with great sketches!
What places you should visit in Barcelona? Read my post about Gothic Quarter and nearest area.
