Montjuïc, Poble Sec & Sant Antoni - Barcelona - page 358

lery that once stood in the central courtyard has been removed, but some of the seaward big
guns remain in place.
In 2014 parts of the castle previously closed to the public - such as the tower and the dun-
geons - were opened, and an entrance fee was applied. A large part of the castle will now
function as exhibition space, although the finer details had yet to be ironed out at the time of
writing. The current exhibition explains something of the history of the place as well as de-
tailing plans for its future. Perhaps when all this is done, the tombstones (some dating to the
11th century) from the one-time Jewish cemetery on Montjuïc will get a more imaginative
exhibition space than the drab room once set aside for them in the military museum.
The views from the castle and the surrounding area looking over the sea, port and city be-
low are the best part of making the trip here. Around the seaward foot of the castle is an airy
walking track, the Camí del Mar , which offers breezy views of the city and sea.
From the Jardins del Mirador , opposite the Mirador (Telefèric) station, you have fine
views over the port of Barcelona. A little further downhill, the Jardins de Joan Brossa (
MAP GOOGLE MAP ; 10am-sunset; Telefèric de Montjuïc, Mirador) are charming, landscaped
gardens on the site of a former amusement park near Plaça de la Sardana ( MAP
GOOGLE MAP ) . These gardens contain many Mediterranean species, from cypresses to pines
and a few palms. There are swings and things, thematic walking trails and some good city
views.