Castell de Montjuïc
In contrast to its often-grim history, this mass of military stone is now surrounded by serene gardens where local families come for Sunday picnics. The fort last saw action in the Spanish Civil War, when it was used by both sides for torture and executions. Most notoriously, the Franco government executed the Catalan president Lluís Companys by firing squad here in 1940 and used the castle as a prison for political prisoners until 1960. Today it houses an interpretation center that gives a comprehensive overview of the castle’s history, and it doesn’t flinch from the grisly details. But its rooftop, 173m (568ft.) above the sea, is the best reason to come here, for magnificent views of the city and the mountains beyond. The most thrilling way to arrive is on the Telefèric de Montjuïc cable car.
Carretera de Montjuïc, 66. ajuntament.barcelona.cat/castelldemontjuic. 📞 93-256-44-40. Bus: 150.
In contrast to its often-grim history, this mass of military stone is now surrounded by serene gardens where local families come for Sunday picnics. The fort last saw action in the Spanish Civil War, when it was used by both sides for torture and executions. Most notoriously, the Franco government executed the Catalan president Lluís Companys by firing squad here in 1940 and used the castle as a prison for political prisoners until 1960. Today it houses an interpretation center that gives a comprehensive overview of the castle’s history, and it doesn’t flinch from the grisly details. But its rooftop, 173m (568ft.) above the sea, is the best reason to come here, for magnificent views of the city and the mountains beyond. The most thrilling way to arrive is on the Telefèric de Montjuïc cable car.
Carretera de Montjuïc, 66. ajuntament.barcelona.cat/castelldemontjuic. 📞 93-256-44-40. Bus: 150.
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