Montjuïc Park

The Montjuïc Park is a park located on the mountain of Montjuïc in Barcelona, approximately 200 m.a.s.l. The name of the mountain translates as "Hill of the Jews" in medieval Catalan and refers to the Jewish community that once settled on the slopes of the mountain and the Jewish cemetery situated there.

Located in the southwest part of Barcelona, it used to be a strategic point of the city. Hence, in the 17th century a castle (Castell de Montjuïc) which functioned as a prison for political convicts was built there. In 1897 this was the place where many anarchist supporters were accused of treason, tortured, and executed by the Spanish occupying forces - an incident known as "el proceso de Montjuïc". Among the people who played an active part in the liberation movement and lost their lives under the Franco regime was Lluís Companys i Jover, who became a symbol of the struggle for independence of Catalan people.  

Today, the Montjuïc Park is home to various cultural institutions, such as museums and theatres (hence its popular name, the "Mountain of the Museums"), buildings used for different purposes during the 1929 Universal Exhibition (e.g., Palau Nacional), gardens of unique beauty, and what is commonly known as the Olympic Ring, a complex of sports facilities built to host the 1992 Summer Olympics (e.g., the sporting arena Palau Sant Jordi and the Olympic swimming pools Bernat Picronell).

The mountain of Montjuïc is often referred to as the lungs of the city, due to its numerous parks and gardens. And so, in the park you will find the Botanical Gardens, which belong to the Natural History Museum of Barcelona and contain a rich variety of the Mediterranean flora, Joan Brossa Gardens, which in the past functioned as an amusement park, the Mossen Costa i Llobera Gardens, home to many succulent plants, such as different types of cacti, the Mossen Cinto Verdaguer Gardens and the Font del Gat.

The southern slope of the hill offers wonderful views over the port of Barcelona as well as over one of the largest cemeteries in the city, which was opened in 1883. Also, from the stairs of Palau Nacional, the Montjuïc cable car linking the park with the Aerial Port, and the Olympic terrace, you can admire a spectacular panoramic view of the city.

The Montjuïc Park can be accessed from different parts of the city. However, Avenida Maria Cristina is considered to be the main entrance. At the end of this avenue, you will find the Magic Fountain and the National Palace, which served as the official entrance to the 1929 Universal Exhibition.

Source of description: planerGO

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marta
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thousands of trees!!! It is amazing place! Side by Side, in the city center, you can find everything what you want. First you have a sophisticated culture (in Palau Nacional) but also become calm and pieceful surrounded by plenty of green areas! There are so many gardens that I could stay there forever! It is great to si... rating 1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 2011-07-27 17:08:29
Neighbourhood Montjuic (Sants-Montjuïc)
Price definition of price gratis
Geographical coordinates 41.3739185, 2.1498800
Address 08004 Barcelona, Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina 2
How to arrive? official transport site

How to arrive