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Articles > Europe > Spain > Barcelona > Exploring Montjüic - Barcelona's Mountain of Treasures
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Exploring Montjüic - Barcelona's Mountain of Treasures
The Mediterranean city of Barcelona is flanked by Montjüic. The literal meaning is Jewish mountain, although it's probably better described as a hill. The mount has been used as a defence mechanism during various wars, and hides many stories within its dense undergrowth, too. Perhaps the most popular attractions associated with Montjüic from a tourist point of view are the cable car ride to the peak and castle, the Olympic Stadium and the Magic Fountains at the foot, close to Plaça Espanya, but there's so much more to explore!
With over 2000 hectares to explore, Montjüic is perhaps one of the best-kept secrets in the city. Whilst the locals take every advantage to explore its nooks and crannies, the tourists visiting the city seem to flock to the same attractions. Not to say that these same attractions are not worthy of a visit Montjüic has some amazing sights and attractions, as we'll find out. The 1992 Olympic Games were held here and the Olympic installations are still a big part of the city playing host to sports and attractions. Until 2008, RCD Espanyol Barcelona football team played their home games here, and the nearby Palau Sant Jordi provide such versatile installations that have seen Davis Cup Tennis, Dancing on Ice, Swimming championships and top Pop concerts over the years.
The 1929 Exhibition held in Barcelona to showcase the city as a new strength within Europe saw te construction of Poble Espanyol or the Spanish Village, which was a purpose buit village with each street representing the different architecture of Spain's different cities. Although the plans were to demolish the village after the exhibition, such was the welcome and appraise from the locals and visitors alike, that today the village still stands and is still one of the top attractions for families and tourists alike. Expect to find art and craft shops, artisan goods and performances in the central plaça, as well as gymkhanas for the children. At night there are various discos, bars and clubs.
One of the most popular tourist attractions in the city is also a legacy of the 1929 Exhibition, the fantastic Magical Fountains at the foot of Montjüic, near Plaça Espanya. The huge fountain comes alive at night with half hour shows from 8pm until just before midnight, and the fountain dances with jets and streams of different colours to music from different genres and decades.
At Montjüic's peak is the castle, which is mainly used to admire the magnificent views over the old port and the sprawling city below. Built in 1751, the castle has a torrid history, and was used by Franco during the civil war to torture and imprison Catalan opposition. Until recent years, the castle housed the military museum, which was pretty poor, and has now been given back to the people who are keen to leave its secrets locked away. The castle has some beautiful gardens surrounding which are used in the summer for open air cinema. Films are broadcast onto the castle walls, and you are invited to take along your deckchairs or blankets and watch a movie under the stars in this unique way. 2009 saw the Tour de France arrive to Barcelona, and the cyclists crossed the city towards Montjüic which was the gruelling finish line after coming down from France.
With over 2000 hectares to explore, Montjüic is perhaps one of the best-kept secrets in the city. Whilst the locals take every advantage to explore its nooks and crannies, the tourists visiting the city seem to flock to the same attractions. Not to say that these same attractions are not worthy of a visit Montjüic has some amazing sights and attractions, as we'll find out. The 1992 Olympic Games were held here and the Olympic installations are still a big part of the city playing host to sports and attractions. Until 2008, RCD Espanyol Barcelona football team played their home games here, and the nearby Palau Sant Jordi provide such versatile installations that have seen Davis Cup Tennis, Dancing on Ice, Swimming championships and top Pop concerts over the years.
The 1929 Exhibition held in Barcelona to showcase the city as a new strength within Europe saw te construction of Poble Espanyol or the Spanish Village, which was a purpose buit village with each street representing the different architecture of Spain's different cities. Although the plans were to demolish the village after the exhibition, such was the welcome and appraise from the locals and visitors alike, that today the village still stands and is still one of the top attractions for families and tourists alike. Expect to find art and craft shops, artisan goods and performances in the central plaça, as well as gymkhanas for the children. At night there are various discos, bars and clubs.
One of the most popular tourist attractions in the city is also a legacy of the 1929 Exhibition, the fantastic Magical Fountains at the foot of Montjüic, near Plaça Espanya. The huge fountain comes alive at night with half hour shows from 8pm until just before midnight, and the fountain dances with jets and streams of different colours to music from different genres and decades.
At Montjüic's peak is the castle, which is mainly used to admire the magnificent views over the old port and the sprawling city below. Built in 1751, the castle has a torrid history, and was used by Franco during the civil war to torture and imprison Catalan opposition. Until recent years, the castle housed the military museum, which was pretty poor, and has now been given back to the people who are keen to leave its secrets locked away. The castle has some beautiful gardens surrounding which are used in the summer for open air cinema. Films are broadcast onto the castle walls, and you are invited to take along your deckchairs or blankets and watch a movie under the stars in this unique way. 2009 saw the Tour de France arrive to Barcelona, and the cyclists crossed the city towards Montjüic which was the gruelling finish line after coming down from France.
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David Brydon has been living in Barcelona for 10 years and writes about Apartments for rent in Barcelona and Cheap Barcelona apartments too.
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