Exploring Montjüic – Barcelona’s Mountain of Treasures

The Mediterranean city of Barcelona is flanked by Montjic

. The literal meaning is Jewish mountain, although its probably better described as a hill. The mount has been used as a defence mechanism during various wars, and hides many stories within its dense undergrowth, too. Perhaps the most popular attractions associated with Montjic from a tourist point of view are the cable car ride to the peak and castle, the Olympic Stadium and the Magic Fountains at the foot, close to Plaa Espanya, but theres so much more to explore! With over 2000 hectares to explore, Montjic is perhaps one of the best-kept secrets in the city. Whilst the locals take every advantage to explore its nooks and crannies, the tourists visiting the city seem to flock to the same attractions. Not to say that these same attractions are not worthy of a visit Montjic has some amazing sights and attractions, as well find out. The 1992 Olympic Games were held here and the Olympic installations are still a big part of the city playing host to sports and attractions. Until 2008, RCD Espanyol Barcelonas other football team played their home games here, and the nearby Palau Sant Jordi provide such versatile installations that have seen Davis Cup Tennis, Dancing on Ice, Swimming championships and top Pop concerts over the years. The 1929 Exhibition held in Barcelona to showcase the city as a new strength within Europe saw te construction of Poble Espaol or the Spanish Village, which was a purpose buit village with each street representing the different architecture of Spains different cities. Although the plans were to demolish the village after the exhibition, such was the welcome and appraise from the locals and visitors alike, that today the village still stands and is still one of the top attractions for families and tourists alike. Expect to find art and craft shops, artisan goods and performances in the central plaa, as well as gymkhanas for the children. At night there are various discos, bars and clubs. One of the most popular tourist attractions in the city is also a legacy of the 1929 Exhibition, the fantastic Magical Fountains at the foot of Montjic, near Plaa Espanya. The huge fountain comes alive at night with half hour shows from 8pm until just before midnight, and the fountain dances with jets and streams of different colours to music from different genres and decades. At Montjics peak is the castle, which is mainly used to admire the magnificent views over the old port and the sprawling city below. Built in 1751, the castle has a torrid history, and was used by Franco during the civil war to torture and imprison Catalan opposition. Until recent years, the castle housed the military museum, which was pretty poor, and has now been given back to the people who are keen to leave its secrets locked away. The castle has some beautiful gardens surrounding which are used in the summer for open air cinema. Films are broadcast onto the castle walls, and you are invited to take along your deckchairs or blankets and watch a movie under the stars in this unique way. 2009 saw the Tour de France arrive to Barcelona, and the cyclists crossed the city towards Montjic which was the gruelling finish line after coming down from France.

Exploring Montjic Barcelonas Mountain of Treasures

By: David Brydon

POST COMMENT

Sid Roth with Roberta Simpson Северный Кавказ. Решение Проблем Возможно, Но Нужны Новые Подходы dermal fillers O Risco Da Frota Chinesa A Rimini Albergatrice Ospita 200 Clochard! cerec Город Нашего Детства Could you Foster? lumineers Gestion Del Conocimiento Empresarial 2010 Dodge Charger 6 month smiles Сталина Бы Возвратить