The Hill and the Basilica
Montjuïc is the hill overlooking Barcelona’s harbour — the site of the 1992 Olympic facilities (the stadium, the Palau Sant Jordi, the diving pool with the city-and-sea panorama), the Fundació Joan Miró (one of the world’s most important collections of Miró’s painting, sculpture, and graphic work), the MNAC (Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya — the national art museum, housed in the Palau Nacional with its Romanesque fresco collection), the Montjuïc Castle (a 17th-century fortress with harbour views), and the Magic Fountain (the evening light-and-water show at the base of the hill).
A Montjuïc and Sagrada Família combo covers the city’s modern cultural infrastructure (the Olympic legacy, the art museums, the panoramic views) and the architectural masterwork — typically with Montjuïc in the morning (the views, one museum) and the Sagrada Família in the afternoon, or vice versa.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Montjuïc?
The Telefèric de Montjuïc (cable car from the harbour) or the funicular from Paral·lel Metro station. Bus and taxi also access the hill.
What should I see on Montjuïc?
The Fundació Joan Miró for art. The MNAC for the Romanesque frescoes. The Olympic Stadium for the 1992 legacy. The castle for the panoramic view. The Magic Fountain for the evening spectacle.