Secrets you didn't know about Montjuïc

Montjuïc is the mountain with the most magic and history in Barcelona. It is considered an oasis in the middle of the hectic city, full of charming areas and fascinating stories.

Did you know that the name of this mountain means “Jewish Mount”? In the Middle Ages, in order not to have to bury the Jews within the walls of the Christian city, the Jewish cemetery was located on this mountain and that is why it acquired this name in ancient Catalan.

In Montjuïc there are a large number of well-known places explained in all the city's tourist guides, but in this article we want to give you some ideas to discover the most unknown secrets of the mountain:

PR-C 229 Trail: Montjuic 360

It is the first and the only PR trail (small route) that is located entirely within the city, it consists of an 11km route that surrounds the entire mountain and through which you can discover the most touristic spaces, but also the lesser-known areas. like those we will name later. As it is a circular route, it begins and ends at the same point, in the Jardines de les Tres Xemeneies. With the Wikiloc mobile application you can consult and download the complete route. More information about the route can also be found at this link .

Source: Betevé

Gardens of Joan Brossa

These gardens currently occupy what more than 25 years ago was the famous Montjuïc Amusement Park (1966-1998). Currently they are a large space loaded with lush vegetation and fun children's play areas. There are slides, an area with zip lines and climbing games for young people, gardens, picnic areas. Paradise to spend a day outdoors with the family surrounded by nature without leaving the city.

Montjuïc Lighthouse

Getting to him is not an easy task. It is located on the side of the mountain, what is known as the Morrot de Montjuïc, and finding the way to start the climb to the lighthouse is the first of the obstacles on the route. Its origin dates back to 1906, although the first stone of the current building was laid in 1922. Currently the lighthouse continues to function, but automatically and there are no longer any lighthouse keepers living in the building. It is important to emphasize that you cannot visit the interior of the lighthouse.

Albéniz Palace

It was built for the 1929 International Exhibition and is the official residence of the Kings of Spain when they visit the city. It is surrounded by the gardens of Joan Maragall, which is the only thing that can be visited, although for the Mercé Festival (end of September) it is opened to the public.

Theater of the senses

Although it is a military construction, the Polvorí de Montjuïc looks like a typical Catalan farmhouse, made of stone and with a tile roof. It was built in 1733 and was rehabilitated in 2005. It is protected as a cultural asset of local interest and, at the moment, cannot be visited. With Enrique Vargas as artistic director and a long history, the Teatro de los Sentidos is a company made up of actors and artists who explore the theatrical event from the sensory perspective in this space.

Marcelino Bar

On Avenida Miramar nº 11, we find this kiosk-bar with incredible views over the city. Despite being a humble beach bar, it is a good place to go for a drink if you are in the area. They serve all kinds of drinks, some tapas and sandwiches. Enjoying a vermouth or a mid-afternoon beer from this terrace is a great plan with great views.

Greek Theater

It was built in 1929 for the Universal Exhibition and great classical works were performed there, but due to the Civil War, it fell into disuse and until the Grec Festival was inaugurated in 1976, activity was not resumed there. Now, with the Festival, every summer it becomes the main and most prominent stage in the city with all kinds of musical and theatrical shows.

Library of Death

In the Montjuïc cemetery itself, there is one of the largest bibliographic collections on funerary themes in Europe. In addition, the library complements the museum collection of funeral carriages from the city of Barcelona, which date from the 19th and 20th centuries. The carriages are objects of great heritage value, and can be visited on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Source: ElPeriódico

Santalia neighborhood

At the top of Poble Sec, between the Olympic diving pool and the Grec theatre, we find the quiet neighborhood of La Satalia: a set of steep streets with modernist houses and spectacular views over Barcelona. Going up to this neighborhood is quite a challenge due to the steep slope of its streets, but you can also take the Montjuïc funicular to Av. Miramar and go down some stairs or from the side of the Grec gardens, which also gives access to La Santalia. The good thing about the inclination of the neighborhood is that it allows you to obtain unparalleled views from its viewpoint, similar to those of the Bunkers del Carmel but with much fewer people.

Source: BarcelonaSecreta