About this experience
Montjuïc is the most iconic elevation of the city. It is the first thing you see from the airplane window when landing at El-Prat airport. Cruise ships dock near it. Cars drive past it when entering the city. Montjuïc has been welcoming guests for centuries. It used to house a lighthouse that guided sailors, hosted the 1929 World Exhibition, and the 25th Summer Olympics. I invite you to explore Barcelona on Montjuïc mountain!
What to expect
Plaça d'Espanya
We will start at the largest square in Barcelona and the second largest in Spain. It was built for the 1929 World Exhibition. The entrance to the exhibition center was marked by Venetian columns made of red brick, an exact copy of the famous St. Mark's Campanile in Venice.
Magical Montjuïc Fountain
Walking along Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina, we will reach the magic fountain. This hydraulic structure pumps 2.6 thousand liters of water per second. It was here that the famous song 'Barcelona' by Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballé was first performed at the opening of the 1992 Olympics.
National Palace
Just past the fountain, you will see the magnificent palace. Built in the Spanish Renaissance style as the main pavilion for the 1929 World Exhibition, it later became the National Art Museum of Catalonia. Today, it houses a large collection of Romanesque art, paintings by El Greco, Titian, and Rubens, as well as modern masterpieces.
Olympic Ring
After passing the National Palace, we will arrive at the Olympic Ring. This monumental park ensemble, surrounded by sports facilities, covers an area of 400 hectares. Here, you will notice the television tower shaped like an Olympic torch and the Palau Sant Jordi arena, resembling a giant turtle shell on the crest of Montjuïc mountain.
Olympic Stadium
This is where the flame of the 25th Summer Olympics was lit. Afterward, the arena became the home stadium for the Espanyol football club for a long time. It then transformed into a venue where stars of world stature periodically give concerts. And now, it is the home of FC Barcelona.
Montjuïc Castle
From the stadium, we will ascend to the 17th-century fortress. Thanks to the construction of this fortification, Catalonia won the War of the Reapers and gained long-awaited independence from Spain for 12 years. Moreover, the Montjuïc Castle became the birthplace of the metric system, which unified the world's system of weights and measures.
Panoramic Views
The tour on Montjuïc mountain will conclude at the cable car. Built in 1928, it used to transport participants of the World Exhibition from the seaport to the exhibition center. From the Mirador-de-Miramar viewpoint, you will enjoy fantastic views of Barcelona's waters. You will see sandy beaches, cargo and cruise ports, as well as the historic center of the Catalan capital.
Organizational Details
- Additional expenses (optional, can be skipped): cable car from Barcelona port to Montjuïc mountain - €12.5 per person; cable car to Montjuïc Castle - €10 per person; entrance to the castle - €12 per person. Guide fees are also paid by the travelers.
- During the tour, if desired, I will take excellent photos for you with a DSLR camera. A few days later (after processing), I will send the photos to your email. The cost will be clarified after booking the tour.
