Visit Montjuïc Castle is a military fortress dating from 1640.
It was converted into a military prison at the end of the XIXᵉ century and then into a military museum in 1963.
Today, it's one of Barcelona's most visited tourist attractions!
Montjuïc Castle: article summary
A brief history of Montjuïc Castle
The history of Montjuïc Castle dates back to 1640, the year the first fortification was erected. At that time, times were unstable in the Catalan region and Montjuïc Castle ended up be the protagonist of the Battle of Montjuïc one of the many conflicts of the Reapers' War (1640 to 1652).
However, the current Château de Montjuïc is the result of a renovation designed by Spanish architect and military engineer Juan Martín Cermeño in 1751. Work carried out between 1753 and 1779 included demolishing parts of the old fortress, building new structures and improving existing ones.
How do I get to Montjuïc Castle?
The easiest way to get to Montjuïc Castle is by car. metro. All you need to do is borrow lines L1 or L3 to Plaça d'Espanya station then walk about 2 km to the military fortress. This walking route takes around 40 minutes, which may seem a little long.
You can also take the Montjuïcwhich costs :
- 9,40 € per adult
- 7,50 € for children aged 4 to 12
What are the opening hours?
Montjuïc Castle is open every day:
- 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. November to February
- 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. March to October
Please note, the ticket office closes at 5:30 or 7:30 p.m. depending on the season. The only closing days are the public holidays of January 1ᵉʳ and December 25.
How much does admission cost?
Tickets cost :
- 9 € standard rate
- 6 € reduced rates for young people aged 16 to 29 and seniors over 65
On the first Sunday of every month and every Sunday from 3 p.m., admission is free for all. Please note, however, that free admission tends to attract tourists. It is therefore The site is likely to be crowded during your visit at this time..
What can you see at Montjuïc Castle?
Of course, there's plenty to see at Montjuïc Castle. On site, you can discover a veritable fortress overlooking the town.
The drawbridge
Access to Montjuïc Castle is via a stone bridge that crosses the old moat.
The drawbridge at Montjuïc Castle is made of wood and iron, and could be raised to prevent entry, isolating the fortification from the outside world. Completed in 1767, the structure was also protected by the Saint Charles Bastion and the Saint Amalia Bastion.
Bastion Saint-Charles
The Bastion de Saint-Charles is one of the first points of interest you can visit at Montjuïc Castle.
Also known as the Saint-Charles rampart, it is the only one of the four bastions of the Montjuïc castle to have been built. was built to designs by Juan Martín Cermeño.
Work began in 1756 and lasted until 1773. And its name is a tribute to the monarch who ruled the country at the time: King Charles III of Spain!
The parade ground
The Place d'Armes is the "heart" of Montjuïc Castle. Like other military fortresses, this square terrace served as a training ground for the military garrison.
Around the Montjuïc Castle square, there's a visitor center, three exhibition halls, two workshops, an information desk, a café with terrace, toilets and stairs to the terrace.
The wall facing the sea
Did you know that the wall facing the sea is the longest section of the Montjuïc castle curtain wall? The wall facing the Mediterranean Sea is 155 metres long!
It offers a privileged view of Barcelona harbour. From the same spot, you can also see the Montjuïc lighthouse!
When you go to Montjuïc, a visit to the château is almost obligatory. You'll be able to see the military advances of the time. There's also a comprehensive exhibition on the period. Find out more on your vacation in Barcelona.
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