Visit Montjuic Castle for great views, history and gorgeous gardens and museums (2023)
Located at the top of Montjuic Hill, Montjuic Castle sits in a prominent position with panoramic views of the city and harbor area below. It is a fantastic first start to visiting Montjuic hill and maybe arriving from the cable car ride and enjoying the magnificent views. Touring the castle grounds is a must to experience the historic and cultural treasures on the hill.
Montjuic Castle is called Castello de Montjuic in Catalan and has a historic significance located on the hill. The castle has been converted into a museum and is open for the public to visit this important site on Montjuic hill.
The area of Montjuic is one of the 7 hills that surround Barcelona but is the most strategic spot overlooking the entire city. Montjuic means “Jewish Mountain” and referring to the Jewish cemetery that is located in the southern part of the park grounds.
History of Montjuic Castle
Settlements have always been living on Montjuic hill dating to prehistoric times and at 1073 that the area was importantly used as a lookout point. During the 17th century, foundations for the castle were started initially as a fortress to protect the area below.
During the Catalan revolution against Spain, Montjuic castle was used as a base for operations against the King of Spain’s forces in the area that laid siege on the entire city during the Spanish War of Succession.
The fortification was rebuilt in 1799 and was strategic in the battle of Montjuic where the Catalan army lost against the Spanish Army making the hill symbolic to the Catalan loss to the Republic forces.
The 18th century increased the focus on Montjuic castle on improvements to defense and functionality and completed in 1779 to what is standing today.
The Castle plays an important role to many war efforts from the Napoleonic war to the Spanish Civil War in the 20th century. After the Spanish war and conquest, Montjuic castle also served as a prison, military base and torture cell. During this dark time of Catalan history, the castle was under the central governments rule for over 300 years. Even the time of the Spanish Civil War, the castle was used by the Spanish republic and forces of General Franco to imprison, torture and execute many of their opponents.
Montjuic castle today
Today, the museum is a popular tourist attraction on top of Montjuic hill and holds a series of revolving shows and events inside the grounds and also outside for the locals and visitors to the area. You can take a scenic ride to the hill from the waterfront area on the Teleferic cable ride with amazing views on the way up to the hill.
Inside the castle are parade grounds, museum features and collections that you can visit inside the fortress and walk around the ramparts for gorgeous views of the harbor and waterfront areas of Barcelona
Montjuic Castle FAQ
Is Montjuic Castle worth Visiting?
Yes, Montjuic Castle is not only at an amazing space with stunning panoramic views to the attractions, harbor and waterfront areas below. The fortress is an important historic site with a museum to visit and it is fun to explore the ground, great views and fantastic photo opps you can take around the fort and beautiful garden area.
How much time to visit Montjuic Castle and area?
The Castle is an easy visit that can take one to two hours, then you can easily visit the many attractions, gardens and museums that can easily take up an entire day to visit. You can also stay to the night with viewing the fabulous water fountain and water light show at night time.
Can you walk up to Montjuic Castle?
If you want the excercise, the scenic route walking to the top is easy and scenic some nice stops to the gardens along the way to the top. It takes about a 10 minute walk to walk to Montjuic Castle from the bottom of the hill
What is Montjuic known for?
One of the man hills of Barcelona, Montjuic is a strategic hill in the heart of the city with fantastic views and historic monuments, gardens and museums you can visit to fill a whole day of exploring on the hill area.
Places to visit around Montjuic Castle
While you are exploring around the castle grounds, check out the main highlights and places to explore here:
Note the main bridge, facade and entry gardens – a dramatic and functional entry area to the fortress and beautifully landscaped.
Moat area – the moat is beautifully decorated and captured with colorful annuals that make the lower parts more of a garden room that is perfect for picture taking.
Castle ramparts and bastian – used to get around the main bastian areas and fortification of the castle grounds
Parade ground – the main open courtyard area that houses the essential rooms for the needs and management of the castle grounds
Enjoy views of the coastline and harbor from the many vista points from the outside areas of the castle
Check out this expansive drone views of Montjuic castle from above
How to get to Montjuic Castle
There’a a variety of ways to get to Montjuic castle from public transportation, Teleferic ride to taxis or Uber service.
Arriving by Teleferic
You can take the teleferic cable ride from the waterfront area directly to Montjuic Castle and enjoy the amazing views along the way to the top of the hill. Check out their website here for information on riding the teleferic to the top of Montjuic hill and castle.
Public Transportation
You can take bus number 150 and 13 from Plaza d’Espanya to the top of Montjuic Castle. Also bus 55 and 107 from different areas of the city climb to the top of Montjuic area
Uber / Taxi
You can easily catch a taxi or Uber to quickly get to Montjuic castle or other attractions around the hill of Montjuic
Details to visiting Montjuic Castle
Tickets to enter Montjuic castle can be purchased on site at the entrance or you can purchase the tickets online here for more details.
Entry to the castle includes visiting the entire site and access to all permanent and temporary exhibitions at the site.
Hours to entry
From March 1 to October 31 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (box office closes at 7:30 p.m.)
From November 1 to February 28 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (box office closes at 5:30 p.m.)
Open Monday to Sunday.
Check the website here for entry details and exhibits on display at Montjuic Castle.
Places around Montjuic hill to explore
Montjuic Magic Fountain
The dancing fountains and music at Montjuic sit at the base of the Museum of National Art Catalunya and were created for the big Exposition in 1929 to the World’s Fair in the city. You can watch this fantastic water and music show for free above the museum and the main square below at night time.
Check out our post about the Magic Fountains here for more information and images to visiting the fountains at night time.
Mossen Costa i Llobera Garden
This spectacular mediterranean and cactus garden on the flank of the hill is spectacular and showcases some of the most dynamic cactus and succulent plants gathered from around the country into a beautiful garden scape worth exploring.
Check out this visit to the Mossen Costa I Llobera garden here for more information and images.
Gardens of Montjuic
Some of the most important and beautiful gardens and botanical garden of Barcelona are all located here on Montjuic Hill and is a fantastic respite from the many attractions you’ll enjoy up on Montjuic area. Filled with mediterranean plants and exotic gardens that thrive here in Montjuic, we showcase all the stunning gardens worth exploring.
Check out our post on visiting the gardens of Montjuic hill here for more information and images.
Explore the museums at Montjuic Hill
Exploring the museums at Montjuïc Hill in Barcelona is a rich cultural experience. This iconic hill is home to several fascinating museums that showcase art, history, and science. Here’s a glimpse of what you can discover:
- MNAC – Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya: This museum boasts an impressive collection of Catalan art spanning from the Romanesque period to the 20th century. It includes paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.
- Fundació Joan Miró: Dedicated to the works of the renowned surrealist artist Joan Miró, this museum houses a vast collection of his paintings, sculptures, and drawings.
- Poble Espanyol: Often referred to as the “Spanish Village,” this open-air museum showcases the architectural diversity of Spain. Explore streets and squares representing different Spanish regions.
- Museu Etnològic: Discover the world’s cultures through a vast collection of ethnographic artifacts, textiles, and objects from various societies.
- Museu Olímpic i de l’Esport: Explore the history of the Olympics and sports in Barcelona. The museum features memorabilia from the 1992 Summer Olympics held in the city.
- CaixaForum Barcelona: This cultural center hosts a range of art exhibitions, cultural events, and educational programs. It often features contemporary and interactive exhibitions.
- Jardí Botànic de Barcelona: While not a museum, this botanical garden on Montjuïc Hill is a fascinating place to explore the diverse plant life of the Mediterranean region.
- Museu de l’Automòbil: Car enthusiasts will enjoy this museum’s collection of vintage automobiles, showcasing the evolution of the automobile industry.
- Joan Brossa Gardens: Stroll through these picturesque gardens, featuring sculptures by the renowned Catalan artist Joan Brossa.
- Museu de la Xocolata: For a sweet treat, visit the Chocolate Museum, where you can learn about the history and production of chocolate while indulging in delicious tastings.
- Enjoy Panoramic Views: Between museum visits, take in panoramic views of Barcelona from Montjuïc Hill, offering fantastic photo opportunities.
To make the most of your museum exploration at Montjuïc Hill, consider planning your visit in advance, checking museum opening hours, and purchasing any necessary tickets. It’s a cultural journey that offers insights into Catalonia’s art, history, and traditions, all while enjoying stunning views of Barcelona.
Check out these other posts to explore Barcelona
Traditional Catalan food you should try
Free things to do in Barcelona
15 best viewpoints of Barcelona
Enjoy the Mossen I Llobera garden at Montjuic
Top places to photograph Barcelona
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