Summary of Attractions on Montjuïc
- Visit the Catalonia National Art Museum
- Explore the Works of Joan Miró
- Stroll Around the Poble Espanyol
- Watch a Performance at the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc
- Tour Barcelona’s Olympic Stadium
- Learn About Spanish Military History at Montjuïc Castle
- Look at Modern Art at CaixaForum
- Learn About Catalonian History
- Take the Cable Car to the Top of the Hill
Places to See on That Great Big Hill Overlooking the City
For centuries, Montjuïc, meaning “Jew’s Hill,” served as Barcelona’s defense hub, rising 590 feet above sea level and protecting the city from possible invasion. Currently, this impressive natural hill (sometimes referred to as a mountain) hosts several of Barcelona’s most captivating museums, including the Miró Foundation and Poble Espanyol, an authentic Spanish model village. It is also home to the Olympic Stadium and Montjuïc Palace, offering some of the best panoramic views of Barcelona. Additionally, taking the cable car to the summit provides breathtaking views of the city’s beaches, parks, and gardens. Upon reaching the top, visitors will discover an array of activities and attractions within this distinctive neighborhood.
Visit the Catalonia National Art Museum
Address
Palau Nacional, Parc de Montjuïc, s/n, Sants-Montjuïc, 08038 Barcelona, Spain
Phone: +34 936 22 03 60
The Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC) showcases extraordinary collections from Romanesque frescoes salvaged from deteriorating Pyrenean churches to masterpieces by renowned artists like Velázquez and Rubens. Additionally, works by Catalan modernists and impressionists are prominently displayed. The museum itself is an architectural landmark, originally constructed in 1929 for the World Exhibition.
Explore the Works of Joan Miró
Address
Parc de Montjuïc, s/n, Sants-Montjuïc, 08038 Barcelona, Spain
Phone: +34 934 43 94 70
One of Spain’s premier collections of contemporary art is housed at the Fundació Joan Miró on Montjuïc. The foundation was established by Miró himself to promote contemporary art research and share works from his own collection. Josep Lluís Sert’s minimalist building now exhibits hundreds of paintings, sculptures, and ceramics by the iconic artist.
Stroll Around the Poble Espanyol
Address
Av. de Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia, 13, Sants-Montjuïc, 08038 Barcelona, Spain
Phone: +34 935 08 63 00
Poble Espanyol, meaning “Spanish town,” is an open-air museum designed to showcase various architectural styles from across Spain. Just like the Catalonia National Art Museum, which hosted the 1929 International Exposition, Poble Espanyol features over 115 buildings representing different Spanish architectural styles, including Romanesque, Gothic, Mudejar, Renaissance, and Baroque designs. This village-like setting displays a Galician townhouse, a Jerez-style wine cellar, and even a monastery.
Watch a Performance at the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc
Address
Pl. de Carles Buïgas, Sants-Montjuïc, 08038 Barcelona, Spain
In the evening, the plaza fountains in Plaça Espanya stage an awe-inspiring show featuring a spectacular combination of light, color, and music. Built by designer Carles Buigas for the 1929 exposition, the fountain captivates audiences with a half-hour performance every Thursday through Sunday during summer and every Friday and Saturday during winter. Moreover, it is conveniently located just behind the MNAC.
Tour Barcelona’s Olympic Stadium
Address
Passeig Olímpic, 17, 19, Sants-Montjuïc, 08038 Barcelona, Spain
Formally known as the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Barcelona’s Olympic Stadium was completed in 1927 and originally intended to host the 1936 Olympics, which were ultimately canceled due to the Spanish Civil War. The stadium underwent renovations in 1989, paving the way for its role in the 1992 Olympic Games. Alongside the stadium, a museum narrates the history of the games, showcasing intriguing artifacts and engaging exhibitions. Adjacent to the gallery is the Palau Sant Jordi, a stunning exhibition hall designed by architect Arata Isozaki that hosts large concerts throughout the year. The Telecommunications Tower, designed by renowned architect Santiago Calatrava, is another notable landmark of the complex.
Learn About Spanish Military History at Montjuïc Castle
Address
Ctra. de Montjuïc, 66, Sants-Montjuïc, 08038 Barcelona, Spain
Phone: +34 932 56 44 40
This historic 17th-century castle has endured considerable strife, with Catalan patriots suffering imprisonment and execution after the Civil War in the 1930s. In the preceding century, it was overtaken by Napoleon’s forces. Today, visitors can explore the castle’s lush gardens and enjoy breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea, along with a fascinating museum that houses military artifacts and dungeons where prisoners were once held.
Look at Modern Art at CaixaForum
Address
Av. de Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia, 6-8, Sants-Montjuïc, 08038 Barcelona, Spain
Phone: +34 934 76 86 00
Opened in 2002, CaixaForum Montjuïc is a modern art gallery supported by the Barcelona bank La Caixa. Housed within the former Casaramona textile factory, the site features a design by Japanese architect Arato Isozaki. The gallery showcases nearly 1,000 works from various renowned artists, including Joseph Beuys, Anish Kapoor, and Tony Cragg, among others. Furthermore, a permanent exhibition highlights Catalan Modernism and the factory’s historical significance.
Learn About Catalonian History
Address
Passeig de Santa Madrona, 39, Sants-Montjuïc, 08038 Barcelona, Spain
Phone: +34 934 23 21 49
The Museu d’Arqueologia de Catalunya provides a glimpse into Catalonia’s rich past, featuring intriguing artifacts from Megalithic Spain and significant remains from Greek civilization along the Catalan coast, including the ruins at the Greco-Roman city of Empúries. The museum is primarily located in the former Palace of Graphic Arts, which was built for the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition. Additionally, the collection extends across various venues and several archaeological sites throughout the region, allowing visitors to explore sites like the Iberian settlement of Ullastret and the monuments of Olèrdola to uncover the region’s unique history.
Take the Cable Car to the Top of the Hill
Situated south of Parallel and Plaça Espanya, Montjuïc lies southwest of Las Ramblas and El Raval. Visitors can reach Montjuïc by walking from Plaça Espanya to the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya. However, the most enjoyable method of ascent is via the cable car from Barceloneta or the funicular railway from Parallel. Once at the summit of the hill, a second cable car extends to the castle at the peak, providing a leisurely 20-minute ride adorned with breathtaking views throughout the journey.
