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Montjuic
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Montjuic
The highest peak is 213 metres and it is the oldest inhabited area of Barcelona. Nowadays, it is mainly an area to go out at night.
The following were erected for the purpose of the world exhibition of 1929:
- Magnificent gardens
- Spanish Square with its exhibition centres and bullfighting arena
- National Palace
- Sports complexes
- Open air museum
If we start off from the Spanish Square (Plaça d’Espanya), we first see the monumental fountain. As it is situated at a major traffic junction, the area also boasts conference halls and exhibition centre buildings. On the other side you will find a former bullfighting arena.
From the Spanish Square (Plaça d’Espanya) we enjoy a beautiful view over the gigantic National Palace of Montjuie, which was built especially for that world exhibition. Now it is home to two museums.
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The Spanish village or Poble Espagnol is an open air museum with a high fun factor, featuring buildings which depict the old way of life. The buildings were reconstructed here for the world exhibition and they are representative of the whole country of Spain. Some of the premises house museums, shops and restaurants.
The Castle of Montjuic, on the hilltop, was built in 1640 to oversee the town, similar to the fortress which was demolished in the Citadel Park. It was rebuilt in 1751 and was used by the army until 1962. It is currently used as a war museum (Museu Militar). The building was conceived in such a way to ensure that it could withstand any assault for a prolonged period of time. It contained everything, such as a butcher’s, hairdresser’s, baker’s etc...
The first Olympic Stadium was opened in 1989; it was the result of a building conversion of the old municipal stadium (F.C. Barcelona used to play here). The opening took place during the 5th world athletics championships which were held here. It has a capacity of up to 60,000 visitors. This stadium was therefore the main stadium during the 1992 Games. It is now a multipurpose stadium as it is used for sports, music, etc.
The 1992 Olympic Games have clearly left their mark on the Montjuic. You will immediately notice this as you walk around this stadium. The high tower you can see is a transmitter mast. The Fundacio Joan Miro or Miro’s Museum is located in the same area. This artist lived until the age of 90 and died in 1983. What is so striking about his work is the multitude of colours he used and the Spanish Modernistic style. He spent many years of his life in France and Majorca, where he died. It is the most important museum in the world devoted to Miro’s work.
When you drive down the Montjuic via the harbour, then you will see the botanical gardens in the bend of the road. The entrance is free, but the gardens are not spectacular. However, the view over the harbour is breathtaking. There are several places on the Montjuic that offer beautiful viewpoints over the city and the working harbour. There is also a cable car which takes you from the Montjuic via the harbour to a jetty.
Nou Camp is not located on the Montjuic but is not so far away from it. This is F.C. Barcelona’s new football stadium. It can hold more than 100,000 supporters. It also boasts a museum on the history of this legendary football team. Anyone who wishes to attend a match and has managed to get a ticket can reach it on foot, by public transport, or better still, by taxi. The latter will take you to just below your seat. There are no car parks around the stadium.
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Picture: © Photographer: Graça Victoria | Agency: Dreamstime.com
Text: GVDV/RD - © AT-Europe bvba
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