Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The castle, while just an empty brick-and-concrete shell today, offers great city views from
its ramparts...and some poignant history. It was built by the central Spanish government in
the 18th century with a Vauban-type star fortress design to keep an eye on Barcelona and
stifle citizen revolt. When the 20th-century dictator Franco was in power, the castle was the
site of hundreds of political executions. Its military function gone, these days it serves as a
park, jogging destination, and host to a popular summer open-air cinema.
Cost and Hours:
Free, daily April-Sept 9:00-21:00, Oct-March 9:00-19:00.
GettingThere:
Tospareyourselfthehikeuptothecastleandtoseesomegreatviewsof
thecity,youcanridebus#193tothebaseofthecastle,catchingitfromPlaçad'Espanya,the
top of the Montjuïc funicular, or various other points on Montjuïc. Or you can spring for the
much pricier
cable car,
which departs from near the upper station of the Montjuïc funicular
(€7one-way,€10round-trip,dailyJune-Sept10:00-21:00,March-MayandOct10:00-19:00,
Nov-Feb 10:00-18:00).
