Montjuic palace: Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya

Montjuic Castle (Barcelona) – All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

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Montjuic Castle

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#85 of 1,329 things to do in Barcelona

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10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Monday

10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Tuesday

10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Wednesday

10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Thursday

10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Friday

10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Saturday

10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Sunday

10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

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About

Standing on a vantage point 173 metres above the port, Montjuïc Castle commands stunning views of the city. Now a peaceable place, the memory of this fortress endures in Barcelona as a symbol of repression but also of the city’s struggles during different periods in its history. The top of Montjuïc is the ideal place for a bastion of defence, with 360º views of the city below. However, this military enclave wasn’t built until the Reapers’ War in 1640. In 1652, the fortress, which stands on the site of a watchtower, came under royal ownership and, some 50 years later, was one of the key defence points in the War of the Spanish Succession, between 1705 and 1714.

Suggested duration

1-2 hours

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Admission tickets

from $22.24

All you need to step foot in the door.

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The area

Address

Neighborhood: Sants-Montjuíc

How to get there

Best nearby

Restaurants

7,200 within 3 miles

Restaurante Foni

0. 3 mi$ • African

La Platilleria

0.6 mi$$ – $$$ • Mediterranean • European • Spanish

Lascar 74

0.6 mi$$ – $$$ • Seafood • International • Contemporary

Cassette Bar

0.3 mi$$ – $$$ • Spanish

Palo Cortao

0.6 mi$$ – $$$ • Mediterranean • Spanish • Vegetarian Friendly

El Xalet de Montjuic

0.4 mi$$$$ • International • Spanish • Healthy

De Paula L’hamburgueseria del Poble Sec

0.7 mi$ • Fast Food • Barbecue • Vegetarian Friendly

La Tasqueta De Blai

0.7 mi$ • European • Gastropub • Vegetarian Friendly

Xiloka

0.7 mi$$ – $$$ • Mediterranean • European • Spanish

0.6 mi$$ – $$$ • Italian • Mediterranean • European

See all

Attractions

1,350 within 6 miles

Parc de Montjuic

11,201

489 ftSpeciality Museums • Parks

Joan Miro Foundation

0.5 miSpeciality Museums • Architectural Buildings

Jardines De Mossen Cinto Verdaguer

0. 3 miGardens

The Magic Fountain

29,588

0.9 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Fountains

Jardins del Mirador del Alcalde

0.3 miGardens

Gothic Quarter (Barri Gotic)

40,386

1.5 miNeighborhoods • Historic Walking Areas

Telefèric de Montjuïc

0.4 miTrams

Palace of Catalan Music

18,787

1.7 miArchitectural Buildings • Theaters

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0.5 miSpeciality Museums

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See what other travelers are saying

  • mrsbsouthend

    Rayleigh, United Kingdom771 contributions

    Go by bus!

    This is a bit of a cheat, considering I never went in, but Montjuic Castle is a great starting point on a trip to Barcelona. We travelled up using the bus no 150 from Pl Espanya. I think it’s the best way to travel up as it drops you pretty much one staircase away from the castle itself. The bus is located by the little tourist office on the square, outside the Fira building.
    The bus experience is fun, we used our T-Casual cards which you punch into the machine (a kind local showed us how!), then sat down (in masks) and enjoyed the trip. Going up the windy roads you get to check out the places you’ll see on your walk down.
    The castle is big and impressive. There are some views from the road outside but if you want the classic panoramic view you’d need to pay to get in. There is very limited food available outside although there was a little cafe in the park further down the mountain. The walk back down took around 30-40 minutes if you don’t stop anywhere – if you walk down please go through Jardin Laribel because they are beautiful gardens!

    Written April 16, 2022

  • Jon W

    34 contributions

    A castle with great views

    For 5 Euros to get in, this is a lovely way to spend an hour walking around drinking in the views of the Barcelona coast and skyline. You can see from the mountains to Sagrada Familia to even the airport, if you’re into that kind of stuff. You can get off your tour bus and spend 13 Euros (yes thirteen) to use the cable car to ascend the hill which takes about 5 mins, or you can be tight and walk there yourself. The cable car itself is a good photo op, but 13 Euros still seems steep. The castle has the usual information about itself history which was very informative. There is a little cafe on site where you can purchase beer and ice creams or a light bite to eat. There are also big canons on the outer wall which, with their lack of signage to the contrary, encourage you to climb all over like some kind of man-child. So itself definitely worth stopping off on your bus tour to stretch your legs even if I can’t reccomend 13 Euros for a cable car ride.

    Traveled as a couple

    Written September 25, 2021

  • Freddy_on_trips

    Montreal, Canada2,835 contributions

    Good views of Barcelona – 30 May 2022

    Montjuic Castle offers some nice views of the city and it is 10 euros for the entry ticket. There are many ways to reach it, we came using the public transport including the funicular and used the teleferic. There are some temporary exhibits, a small café/restaurant and washrooms inside the castle.

    Written June 21, 2022

These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud.

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.

Popular mentions

4.0

3,873 reviews

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nsander219

Chelmsford, UK587 contributions

Cracking Views

Mar 2023

On a nice clear day you can see for miles. Access to this castle is easy by cable car (you can get a funicular to the cable car station as part of the metro system or the hop on hop off buses stop there). Great views froim the top with a number of small exhitions/historical explanations within the castle buildings. The top of the castle is very flat and easy to walk around. In the central quadrangle there is a good cafe. If it is windy this is a good place to shelter for a while.

Written April 12, 2023

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

ALMD

Miami, FL129 contributions

Nice view

Apr 2023 • Family

Very nice place with an excellent view of the city and the port. Plenty of space, and history. Try to go by taxi or cable car.

Written April 11, 2023

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

jakaria a

7 contributions

Best in Barcelona

Apr 2023 • Family

It was fun to reach the castle with gondola ride. The castle provides beautiful views of the seaside and the city. There are many beautiful parks when you go down from the castle. A very refreshing place to spend a day with the family. Must visit in your iternary in Barcelona.

Written April 10, 2023

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Ana Lucia G

3 contributions

Amazing

Mar 2023 • Friends

Excelent place to visit. The guide was very knowleagble and instructive. The guide was very explicitive

Written March 22, 2023

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

permia

Ireland38,537 contributions

At the pinnacle

Feb 2023

Enjoyed the excursion, beginning with funicular from Paral·lel station and continuing on the exciting cable car to the Castle.

It was a marvellous visit to a great and historic sight. A formidable bastion, the site has a lengthy history, including evidence of a lighthouse in the 1070s.

A first fortress was constructed in 1640 that two years later fired on parts of the city during an insurrection against Isabella II.

A 1995 poignant poem Balada de Montjuic by Joan Margarit is quoted and includes the line: Montjuic is the guilt in the city’s midst. Nothing could better exemplify the dark history of the castle, before, during and after the brutal Civil War.

Imprisonment, torture and executions took place here. Including notoriously of Lluís Companys, President of Catalonia from 1934 and during the Civil war, who was executed at 6.30am on 15th October 1940.

A Military Museum was here for decades but it was decided in 2008 to discontinue it. The complex is now a centre for peace, and many exhibitions within it robust walls are testament to this theme.

Fabulous panoramic vistas are here to be seen across the cityscape, from hilltop Tibidabo to the vast port district.

Written March 17, 2023

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Rachel S

Cardiff, UK23 contributions

Worth seeing

Feb 2023 • Family

Good experience fantastic views over Barcelona
Would recommend getting metro to para lel then funicular to cable car
If you visit after 3 on a Sunday entrance is free

Written February 27, 2023

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

David P

Washington DC, DC101 contributions

Rich history, and great views too!

Aug 2022

Montjuic Castle was an incredible experience. Learning about the long, rich history behind the castle made the experience much more meaningful. You will also find STUNNING views of the city from the castle’s viewpoint. You will definitely get great photos there!

Written January 26, 2023

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Sarah T

Eccleston, UK2 contributions

Not much to see in the castle.

Jan 2023

Definatley worth the trip up to the castle for the views but not worth paying the entry fee to go inside.

Written January 19, 2023

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Giuseppe Sic

Sesto Calende, Italy307 contributions

Last tour in Barcelona

Nov 2022

This castle is the reminesce of the military power of Catalogne in Spain and especially of Barcelone. Still today, it is intact and never be demolished partially or degraded by natural events. It is a wonderfull reinforced new castle pf XVI/XVII century where you could see Barcelone of another prospective with also a view over the near sea. I suggest to come here also to take the funicolar that links this mountain/castle with the famous Barceloneta.

Written January 8, 2023

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Meghan G

4 contributions

Castle and cable car overpriced

Dec 2022 • Family

Nice views, but not worth the price of entry. Really not much to see inside the castle, a waste of money overall. Same views can be has from the trail around the castle.
Cable car too was overpriced and was lame for the price we paid.

Written December 30, 2022

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Montjuic Castle

Montjuic Castle is open:

  • Sun – Sat 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.

Montjuic Castle admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost $22.25, while a popular guided tour starts around $5.00 per person. See all 64 Montjuic Castle tickets and tours on Tripadvisor

Montjuic Castle can be crowded, so we recommend booking e-tickets ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund. See all 64 Montjuic Castle tickets and tours on Tripadvisor

According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Montjuic Castle:

  • Skip the line tickets to Montjuic Castle (From $22.25)
  • Barcelona Old Town & Sky Views: Montjuic Castle visit & Cable Car in Small Group (From $61.08)
  • Private Montjuic Mountain Tour with Visit to Olympic Park and Plaza España (From $159.09)
  • Barcelona Best Views: Old Town, Cable Car, Montjuic Castle & Magic Fountain Show (From $83.79)
  • Discover the Olympic Mountain (From $38. 94)

See all Montjuic Castle experiences on Tripadvisor

Hotels near Montjuic Castle:

  • (0.58 mi) Hotel Brummell
  • (0.62 mi) Hostel One Paralelo
  • (0.83 mi) Stay Together Barcelona Apartments
  • (1.39 mi) Serras Barcelona
  • (0.56 mi) Hotel Miramar Barcelona

View all hotels near Montjuic Castle on Tripadvisor

Restaurants near Montjuic Castle:

  • (0.57 mi) La Platilleria
  • (0.60 mi) Lascar 74
  • (0.30 mi) Restaurante Foni
  • (0.75 mi) Xiloka
  • (0.68 mi) De Paula L’hamburgueseria del Poble Sec

View all restaurants near Montjuic Castle on Tripadvisor

Montjuic Castle Information

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What to do in Montjuic Barcelona ~ Castle, cable car, Magic Fountain

Exploring the cornucopia of attractions on this coastal rise

By Duncan Rhodes

Quick Menu

Basic History

Attractions:

– The Castle

– Olympic Ring

– Magic Fountain

– Poble Espanyol

How To Get There:

– Funicular

– Cable Car (Teleferic)

Montjuic Tours

Take the teleferic (cable car) up to the castle, wander around the Olympic Ring, call by an art museum or two, and finish with a performance at the Magic Fountain. We look at what there is do on Barcelona’s Montjuic mountain, and how to get there.

Montjuic Through The Years…

Jewish Origins

A scenic wooded hill in the South West of Barcelona, rising 173m above sea level in between Plaça Espanya and the commercial port, Montjuic gets its name from the Catalan meaning ‘Jewish Mountain’, and was once the home of the city’s Jewish community.

If you’re wondering, it is pronounced moɲ.d͡ʒuˈik.

A Cursed Castle

Thanks to its raised altitude, the hill was chosen as the site for the Castell de Montjuic fortification, which far from protecting the city in fact bombed it during the 1842 insurrection when Barcelona rose up against the Spanish government in Madrid.

The garrison continued to be a sinister symbol on high for the rest of the century and beyond, serving as a political prison and even a place of execution for dissidents such as Catalan nationalist Lluis Companys who was killed there in 1940 by Franco’s men.

The 1929 International Exposition

Today’s visitor to Montjuic is scarcely likely to feel any of these evil associations as they wonder around the mountain’s cultural treasures, surrounded by woodland, in what has become one of the most attractive areas of Barcelona. In the 1920s the hill was chosen as the site for several exciting new developments in time for the International Fair 1929.

The Palau Nacional, home of the National Art Museum (MNAC)

Amongst the new markers on Barcelona’s cultural map were the fabulous Palau Nacional, a majestic palace which now hosts the National Museum of Catalan Art, the Font Magica (Magic Fountain), an impressive waterworks which spurts to the tune of classical music and still functions today, and Poble Espanyol, a mock-Spanish village designed to showcase the various regional styles of architecture on the peninsula, which has subsequently become one of Barcelona’s most popular tourist attractions.

(Keep reading for more on all of these sights below!).

The Olympics… Finally!

Also built around that time was the Olympic Stadium, designed for the 1936 Games, however Barcelona lost out to Berlin… there were plans to stage an anti-fascist Games in their place but the Spanish Civil War put an end to that.

The Olympic Ring (Anella Olimpica) is well worth a gander…

Thankfully all that brick-lugging was worth it in the end however as Barcelona did finally get there Olympic Games – in 1992. Around this time Montjuic saw a second wave of exciting projects, as many of the constructions built for the 1929 Fair were renovated, such as the Olympic diving pool, and several more were added.

Most notably an ‘Anella Olympic’ or Olympic Ring of facilities was constructed, based around the renovated Olympic Stadium, which included the Sant Jordi Palace sports hall, the Picornell Olympic swimming pools (named after a Catalan waterbaby) and the Torre Telefonica Communications Tower, designed by starchitect Santiago Calatrava to transmit the Games on television.

Top 11 Montjuic Attractions

1. Montjuic Castle

The aforementioned fortress is not top of any Catalan’s list of favourite buildings, owing to its partisan history, however it’s fun to walk or take the cable car up to the top of the hill and explore the former military garrison. As well as checking out the parade ground and watchtower, these days you can also delve into its dungeons. Meanwhile the views over Barcelona’s commercial port are spectacular. More info here.

Montjuic Castle

Opening Hours: Mon to Sun: 10am to 6pm
Ticket Price: €5
Verdict: 8/10 – Impressive fortress with fantastic vistas

MONTJUIC CASTLE WEBSITE

2. Joan Miro Foundation

One of Catalonia’s most famous artists, Joan Miro, is celebrated at his eponymous foundation, a vast museum of over 14,000 of his works. A true Catalan, he tried to embody the national soul in his bold abstract paintings and sculptures. A must for lovers of 20th century art.

Joan Miro Museum

Opening Hours: Tues to Sat: 10am to 6pm; Sun: 10am to 3pm.
Closed: Mondays
Ticket Price: €13
Verdict: 8/10 – Abstract art in a stunning venue

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FREE with Barcelona Card

3. Poble Espanyol

It’s hard to describe this mock Spanish village in a word or two, and indeed it was scheduled to be demolished after the 1929 International Fair. However it has survived as a kind of living museum to Spanish culture, with a mix of traditional artisan shops, flamenco tablaos, restaurants, bars and even nightclubs. One thing’s for sure, there’s always something going on here! Check out their opening hours, website and more info here.

The Spanish Village

Opening Hours: Mon: 9am to 8pm; Tues, Weds, Thurs, Sun: 9am to 12am; Fri: 9am to 3am; Sat: 9am to 4am
Ticket Price: €12. 60
Verdict: 8/10 – A showcase of Spain’s art and culture

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4. Olympic Ring

The Olympic Ring, or Anella Olimpica, is the name given to the assortment of buildings built or renovated for the 1992 Summer Games. You can’t go inside most of them unless there’s an event (aside from sporting occasions, a lot of big name bands play in the Stadium and the adjacent Palau Sant Jordi), but it’s a beautifully landscaped zone, with water features and colonnades, and there’s also Calatrava’s epic telecommunications needle, arguably the world’s most beautiful telecoms tower, so overall it’s a great place to walk around and take some photos. Opposite the stadium you’ll also find the Olympic and Sport Museum.

Olympics & Sports Museum

Opening Hours: Tues to Sat: 10am to 6pm; Sun: 10am to 2:30pm.
Closed: Mondays
Ticket Price: €5.80
Our Verdict: 7/10 – Fun collection of sporting memorabilia

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FREE with Barcelona Card

5.

MNAC

I’m going to be brutal here and say the ground floor of the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya makes for a pretty tedious slog. Lots and lots and lots of medieval religious iconography. But guess what, MNAC is actually my favourite museum in Barcelona thanks to its modern art collection exhibited on the 1st floor. Here you’ll find arresting works by Picasso, Dali, Ramon Casas and many more of Barcelona’s most influential artists of the late 19th and early 20th century (this period marked the city’s creative zenith!). There’s even some furniture by the peerless Antoni Gaudi himself. Tickets are reasonably priced at 12 euros, and you can buy them online (see button below!).

National Museum of Catalan Art

Opening Hours: Tues to Sat: 10am to 6pm; Sun: 10am to 3pm.
Closed: Mondays
Verdict: 8/10 – Retrospective of Catalan art that peaks in 20th century

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6.

Magic Fountain

One of the most popular things to do in Barcelona with tourists is catch a performance at the Magic Fountain, which you can find at the foot of the MNAC, just near Plaça Espanya metro station (walk past the twin Venetian Towers and keep going!). From Thursday to Sunday in the summer months (Friday and Saturday in winter), there are several 15-minute shows a night, when the 3,620 water jets go berserk to a soundtrack of classic and pop hits, lit up with every colour of the rainbow. Kitsch but fun.

7. Caixa Forum

The superb Caixa Forum is a former factory-turned-exhibition space, with a never-ending rotation of fascinating exhibitions – on topics as diverse as street photography to vampires in myth and art. The original building was designed by Puig i Cadafalch, a contemporary of Gaudi’s, and its red brick splendour is a classic example of Catalan Modernista architecture. Just 5 minutes walk from Plaça Espanya, on your way to the Magic Fountain and MNAC.

Caixa Forum

Opening Hours: Mon to Sun: 10am to 8pm
Tickets: €6
Verdict: 8/10 – Art gallery in art nouveau factory

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8. Botanical Gardens

Montjuic is effectively one big park, sprawling over an entire hill, but parts of it are more special than others. That’s certainly the case with the delightful Botanical Gardens, which is home to well over a 1,000 species of Mediterranean flora and a welcome green oasis from the overcrowded city centre. You can find the gardens near to the Castle.

Jardi Botanic de Barcelona

Opening Hours: Depends on time of year, but roughly: 10am til sunset.
Tickets: €3.50
Verdict: 7/10 – Peaceful oasis on Montjuic

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9. The German Pavilion

The Pavelló Alemany is a small showcase building designed by Mies van der Rohe (who also for designed the famous Barcelona Chair) for the 1929 International Fair. And then dismantled. And then rebuilt again. To the casual observer it might not be that exciting, but to architect buffs who know a cutting edge (at the time) edifice when they see one, this serene pavilion is a subject of fascination. The ticket price seems steep given there’s not much to engage with inside.

Mies van der Rohe Pavilion

Opening Hours: Mon to Sun: 10am to 8pm (til 6pm only, November to February)
Tickets: €7
Verdict: 6/10 – Subject of fascination for architecture buffs

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10. Teatre Grec

Another cultural attraction built for the 1929 International Fair, the wonderfully romantic Teatre Grec (Greek Theatre) is an open air amphitheatre, like those from antiquity, that hosts al fresco performances throughout the year – most notably at the Grec Festival. There’s a nice little bar-restaurant called Cafe Belgrado on the grounds if you need a little pitstop.

11. Montjuic Cemetery

On the far side of the mountain, and somewhat inaccessible, I wouldn’t recommend this cemetery to anyone with limited time in Barcelona. There are other more interesting, and much more convenient, sites to visit. Nonetheless, if you do have time, it’s an atmospheric place, overlooking the sea, with many marvellous, richly-decorated tombs. Several famous dignitaries are laid to rest here, including Lluis Companys, the president of Catalonia who was executed at Montjuic Castle, and the artists Joan Miro (whose museum I already mentioned!), Ramon Casas and Santiago Rusinol.

Barcelona Card: Save Money!

For anyone keen to explore the many treasures of Montjuic, I’d strongly consider investing in a Barcelona Card, the city’s official tourist pass. The card grants you free access to Joan Miro Foundation (€13), MNAC (€12), Olympic Museum (€5.80), Botanical Gardens (€3.50) and CaixaForum (€6) – so over €40 of attractions which you can do in a single day on Montjuic. After that there’s still the Picasso Museum (€12), History Museum (€7), Egyptian Museum (€12) and many more to visit for free (full list here). The Card also includes free public transport, including free metro ride from the airport. They are valid from 3 to 5 days, activated from when you first use them. You can buy the card securely via Get Your Guide.

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How Do I Get to Montjuic?

Montjuic is a massive hill that can be accessed any number of ways, especially if you’re willing to hike a bit, but to all intents and purposes there are two practical ways of getting here.

The first is by the Montjuic funicular train that leaves from Paral-lel metro station, and which takes you to the side of the mountain with the castle, and places you within comfortable distance of the fortress, Olympic Ring and Joan Miro Foundation.

The second is from Plaça Espanya metro station, which drops you off near the Magic Fountain and the National Museum of Catalan Art (MNAC).

If you take the funicular, afterwards the teleferic (cable car) will give you a boost if you want to make it all the way to the castle.

Meanwhile the tourist bus is handy for those who want to cram a lot in, as the attractions are spaced a fair bit apart. More info on each below.

Montjuic Funicular

This funicular is a one track, one train system, that shuttles tourists and locals up from Paral-lel metro station, towards many of the cultural treasures awaiting on the leafy slopes of this wonderful hill. It saves you from traipsing up through the Poble Sec district and probably getting lost on the confusing winding paths at the foot of the slopes. I’d highly recommend it, it will save you a tonne of time and energy. It leaves every 10 minutes or so and the journey time is only 2 or 3 minutes. If you’ve already ridden the metro to Paral-lel you can ride the funicular as an extension to your metro journey, at no additional cost. If not you need to buy a single metro ticket.

Montjuic Cable Car

After taking the Funicular half way up the hill, the Teleferic de Montjuic Cable Car will finish the job, hoisting you up the slope right up to the Montjuic Castle. Riding this ski-style carriage is considered an attraction unto itself, and a popular one at that, so you might want to secure your tickets in advance. From this side of the mountain you can look over the whole city, as well as down over Barcelona’s sprawling commercial port. Plus, of course, you visit the castle.

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Metro to Plaça Espanya

To access the attractions on the other side of the mountain take the metro to Placa Espanya and approach between the 47m high twin Venetian Towers. Here you will find the Magic Fountain, the MNAC and you should also head to Placa Espanya if to visit Poble Espanyol or Caixa Forum.

Tourist Bus

The red route of Barcelona’s Tourist Bus makes a total of 7 stops on Montjuic, which are, in order, Caixa Forum / Mies Van Der Rohe Pavilion, Poble Espanyol, MNAC, Olympic Ring, Joan Miro Foundation, Teleferic de Montjuic (Cable Car), Miramar Jardins Costa i Llobera. In fact you can access everything on our list of 11 top attractions with the bus, except the cemetery. For the castle, you would need to get off at the teleferic stop and take the cable car, or walk up. You can buy tickets via Get Your Guide.

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Montjuic Tours

View Tour by Barcelona eBikes

Take Barcelona eBikes “View Tour” and you’ll leave the flat Old Town and power your way effortlessly up the slopes of Montjuic, via the winding paths of the cactus gardens, up to the mirador for panoramic vistas over the port, Mediterranean and entire cityscape! After that you’ll take in some of the mountains other top attractions, like the Caixa Forum and palatial MNAC, all without breaking into a sweat, thanks to eBike’s electric power assisted pedalling! A great way to cover everything Montjuic has to offer in just a few hours.

Get Your Guide Tour Options

Get Your Guide is a simply great travel marketplace, with nearly everything you want to do in Barcelona at your fingertips. Here are their top Montjuic experiences, featuring many of the places we’ve covered in this article…

Montjuic Map

You can find all of the mountain’s many attractions on a map on this page.

About the Author

Duncan established Barcelona Life in 2009, whilst freelancing for the likes of Conde Nast, The Guardian, Easyjet Magazine, CNN Traveller and many more. From interviews with Ferran Adria to revealing the secrets of the city’s poetry brothels, he knows the city inside out… and shares all his best tips right here.

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National Palace of Barcelona – Barcelona ТМ

National Palace of Barcelona may at first seem like a majestic old building. The sprawling building, which gave shelter in its depths to the National Art Museum of Catalonia, was rebuilt only in 1929 for the International Exhibition.

History of creation

The palace is located at the top of Montjuic, and the panoramas from this point are absolutely amazing. The museum is surrounded by a number of other museums in Barcelona, ​​which allows visitors to spend a sufficient amount of time on the mountain, noting the richness of the cultural heritage of the National Palace.

The MNAC proved to be the true flagship of the 1929 Exposition, attracting people’s interest.

Inspired by the palaces of the royal families of Europe, the National Palace of Barcelona was designed by the architects Enric Catala y Catala and Pedro Cendoya Oscos.

The Palau Nacional recently underwent a restoration by the architects Gae Aulenti and Josep Benedit, while the striking Oval Hall was restored in 1992 and opened at the same time as the Summer Olympics were held in the Catalan capital.

National Art Museum of Catalonia in Palau Nacional

Since 1934, the National Palace of Barcelona has housed the National Art Museum of Catalonia. And even though you are not an admirer of fine art and sculpture, we strongly advise you to make the ascent to the palace and admire the amazing panoramas of Barcelona.

There is also the main fountain of Barcelona, ​​which is more beautiful than ever in the evening hours:

  1. This fountain is also called magical (cat. Font màgica de Montjuïc).
  2. It was erected in Barcelona in 1929, and the musical accompaniment was tuned in 1990.
  3. When it gets dark outside, the fountain is incredibly picturesquely illuminated.
  4. It has 3620 jets.
  5. Approximately 2.5 million visitors come to see it every year.

Where is the National Palace

Palau Nacional, Parc de Montjuïc

Tickets to the National Art Museum of Catalonia

  • For adults – 12 € (you need to have time to use the ticket within 2 days).
  • Entrance during the year – 18 €.
  • For students, families (2 adults + child) – 30 percent discount.
  • Bas Touristik discount coupons – 20 percent discount.

In order to avoid long queues at the entrance to the Museum of National Art of Catalonia, we buy tickets in advance via the Internet here.

Free admission:

  • on Saturdays after 15.00
  • every 1st Sunday of month
  • May 18 – International Museum Day

How the National Palace of Barcelona works

Opening hours:

  • – Sat: 10.00 – 18.00; Sunday and holidays. days: 10.00 – 15.00
  • June – September: Tue. – Sat: 10.00 – 20.00; Sunday and holidays. days: 10.00 – 15.00
  • Mondays (excluding holidays) – closed
  • January 1st, May 1st and December 25th – closed

Barcelona Magic Fountain opening hours

  • May – September: Thursday – Sunday: 9. 00 – 11.30
  • October – April: Thursday – Sunday: 19.00 – 21.00
  • Music shows – every half an hour

How to get to the National Palace of Barcelona

Metro : Metro station “Pl. Espanya” (green line L3, red line L1)
Bus: 9, 13, 50, 65, 72, 109, 193 to the stop “Pl. Espanya»

Location of Palau Nacional on the map

  • How to avoid queues at Barcelona attractions. Tickets for Sagrada Familia and Park Güell skip the line.
  • How not to be deceived by local taxi drivers. Order a taxi in advance with fixed rates online. The most reliable service for ordering a taxi is KiwiTaxi .
  • Excursions in Barcelona with locals will help you get to know this city for real. The best way to get comfortable in an unfamiliar city is to walk around it with a person who has lived here for many years.
  • We advise you to take out travel insurance so that there are no unpleasant surprises while traveling to Barcelona.
  • Barcelona City Pass is a one-stop card that makes organizing your holiday in Barcelona easier and saves you a lot of time and money.
  • Hotels in Barcelona: is our selection and recommendations.
  • Bus Turistic is a tourist bus and a great way to get to all the necessary monuments of Barcelona quickly, with a breeze and comfort.
  • Drimsim is a universal international SIM card and a free travel application. Best prices, fast internet and worldwide calls.

Montjuic. Spain in Russian – all about life in Spain

Barcelona is first of all a unique combination of mountains and sea. On the south side of the port rises the hill of Montjuic (Montjuic) with a height of 173 meters. The first Iberian settlers, the Laietans, settled here, and the Romans called this mountain “Mons Jovis” in honor of the god Jupiter. The modern name “Montjuic” comes from the phrase “Jewish mountain”, on the slope of this mountain there was once a Jewish cemetery, later the top of the hill served as an observation post for the enemy from the sea.

Montjuic has always been of strategic importance for the defense of Barcelona. In 1640, a military fortress was built on top, which served as an observation post, and in the early 1960s, the Military Historical Museum was opened in it, which displays ancient weapons and exhibits related to the Lepanto naval battle and Catalan and Arab history. From the loopholes of the fortress there is an excellent view of the city and its surroundings.

Montjuïc has been completely transformed since then. Today, on the northern slope of the hill is the cable car station – the most spectacular way to climb the mountain and take a walk right above the port of Barcelona. Montjuic is full of treasures: it has its own museums, palaces, monuments, gardens and even a whole mini-city – Pueblo Español, the “Spanish Village”. On the slopes of the famous hill are the National Palace, the Ethnological and Archaeological Museums, the Greek Amphitheater, the Botanical Garden, the Olympic Ring, the Center for the Study of Contemporary Art (Miro Foundation) and the luxurious Miramar mansion overlooking the coast of Barcelona.

The 20th century was significant for Montjuïc, which underwent changes in preparation for the 1992 Olympics. It was decided to build new sports facilities and transform the old ones. Among the most symbolic is the so-called Olympic Ring, which, being an example of modern architecture, grows out of ancient buildings. From the hill you can see two modern skyscrapers built for the Olympics: the Arts Hotel with a metal frame that seems to be deliberately left in sight and the Mapfre Tower with a fully glazed structure. These are the tallest buildings in Spain. Solemn opening and closing ceremonies of the Games, as well as athletics competitions were held on Mount Montjuic, at the Olympic Stadium. Today there is an Olympic gallery dedicated to the Olympics 1992 years and the history of the Games since ancient times. Near the stadium rises the Sant Jordi Sports Palace, designed by Japanese architect Arata Isozaki and used for exhibitions, sports competitions, concerts and other events. Nearby is the Olympic swimming pool of Bernat Picornell.

One of the most attractive and popular corners on the hill of Montjuic is the Spanish Village complex, designed in 1929 by architects Xavier Nogues, Miguel Utrillo and Ramon Raventos on the occasion of the World Exhibition. This miniature town presents the architectural styles of different regions of Spain, and squares, streets, houses accurately reflect the characteristic features of the Gothic and Renaissance in the cities of Catalonia, Aragon, Andalusia, Galicia, Castile, Balearic Islands, Navarra and Extremadura. In addition to the museum in the house of Pallares in the “Spanish Village” there are many shops where you can find products of local crafts. Craftsmen create real works of art from ceramics, wrought iron, glass and wood right before our eyes. At night, young people flock to the town to visit bars and discos located right in the old buildings.

Plaza de España became the center of the World Exhibition in 1929. From the side of the square, you can see the National Palace, which is located on the hillside of Montjuic. The palace was built by the engineer Carles Buigas also in 1929 for the World Exhibition and served as the Pavilion of Electricity during its days. A “singing” fountain was installed in front of it, which eventually turned into one of the symbols of Barcelona. In the evenings, amazing light and music performances are arranged near the walls of the Palace: nine spotlights, the number of letters in the word “Barcelona”, installed in the National Palace, illuminate the cascades of water in different colors, creating a completely mesmerizing spectacle and attracting thousands of spectators.

The palace covers an area of ​​31,000 sq. m, four bell towers soar up to the sky, inside there are numerous halls on 2 floors and a huge assembly hall for 20 thousand people, where especially solemn events in the life of the city are celebrated. Since 1934, the Art Museum of Catalonia has been operating here, in 1990 it was renamed the National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC). All types and genres of art are presented here: painting, sculpture, applied art, photography, graphics, engraving, poster and numismatics. This museum contains an extensive collection of medieval Catalan art – both Gothic and Romanesque: wooden sculpture, bas-reliefs and valuable altarpieces. You can make a unique overview of the currents of neoclassicism, romanticism, realism, modernism and avant-garde.

As you can see, the “magic mountain” of Montjuic is a real box full of surprises. Everyone will find here something especially interesting, valuable, curious and useful for themselves.