It no longer houses bullfights but continues to treasure history and architecture that is worth knowing. The Monumental of Barcelona is a bullring that opened in 1914 and is located between Marina Street and Gran Vía, in the Eixample district.

It is a brick building with polychrome tiles in which Neomudéjar and Byzantine styles meet, and which, after failing to host bullfighting events, now becomes the setting for other types of shows.

In this article, we will speak about its history and will tell you about its present. The rest we invite you to see it with your own eyes during your visit to Barcelona.

The history of the Monumental of Barcelona

The Monumental bullring began its journey in Barcelona with the name of Plaza de El Sport. It was the year 1914 and, in this way, it was added to other bullrings that already existed in the city like the Plaza del Torín (known as Plaza de La Barceloneta) and Plaza de las Arenas.

The change of its name arrived two years later, the time when the capacity of the square had increased from the more than 11,000 spectators to welcome more than 24,000 people. Over the years it became considered one of the most prestigious bullrings in our country.

In 1977 it was the only one that remained in Barcelona after the Plaza del Torín and the Arenas had closed. Although this place still had important moments to live as, for example, the reappearance of José Tomás in 2007 after having been five years retired.

But there was not much left to do in this arena. In 2010 the Parliament of Catalonia banned bullfighting and the Monumental was the last to hold one in all of Catalonia. It was in September 2011 and was led by the bullfighters José Tomás and Serafín Martín.

The scenario of other events

The Monumental of Barcelona has not only offered bulls and bullfighters spectacles. It has also been the scene of famous concerts that chose this location. Perhaps the most important was the one that the Beatles performed on July 3, 1965, the only one offered by the English band in Barcelona.

image source: https://www.abc.es/cultura

The Rolling Stones also came here in 1976; It was their first concert in our country. Bob Marley, Tina Turner, Dire Straits or Bruce Springsteen were other artists who filled with music this plaza during the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s.

Likewise, the Monumental of Barcelona has also hosted circus and sports shows, mainly boxing, and even political meetings.

On the other hand, in this arena, you can visit the Bullfighting Museum of Barcelona, which was opened in 1969. Inside it is possible to see mythical posters, heads of some of the most famous bulls, costumes bullfighters and bullfighters and all type of elements related to the world of bullfighting.

The architecture of the bullring the Monumental of Barcelona

As we have already told you at the beginning of this post, this bullring in Barcelona has a Neomudéjar and Byzantine style.

The neomudéjar architecture was related mainly with constructions of this type and others also dedicated to leisure. In its buildings, we see the brick as the most significant Mudejar feature, although it also uses Caliphate, Almohad and Nasrid elements.

The expansion of the plaza carried out in 1916 was led by the architect Ignasi Mas i Morell, who counted on the collaboration of Domènec Sugrañes. At that time, an exterior crown of Mudejar and Byzantine style, with a modernist air, was incorporated into its original design.

The Monumental today

After the ruling of the Constitutional Court of 2016 that once again allows bullfights to be held at the Monumental de Barcelona, ​​it is still not very clear what will happen to this place. We talk about several projects on the table, such as transforming it into a mosque or a shopping center, as happened with Las Arenas, in Plaza España.

However, the future still seems uncertain.

What we do know is its most immediate present.

One of the proposals that are already active in this bullring is the Monumental Club. It is a cultural and leisure initiative that takes place one weekend a month and where it has room for gastronomy in street food format, live music, children’s activities and market space in which fashion projects are made known, of decoration or design, among others, are presented.

The idea is that the Monumental of Barcelona becomes a reference point for leisure and culture in Barcelona.

Der Beitrag Everything about the Monumental of Barcelona erschien zuerst auf Barcelona Segway Tours.

The History of Montjuïc Castle

The Montjuïc Castle, or Castell de Montjuïc in Catalan, is living history of the city of Barcelona. This old military fortress located on the top of the Montjuïc mountain has been the protagonist of several episodes in the history of the Catalan capital. It is one of the most bittersweet monuments of the city since it has played a fundamental role both in the development of the city and in the repression of its inhabitants, according to each historical period.

Today we are going to tell you a little more about this interesting and magnificent castle from Barcelona and why you should not miss it during your next visit to the city.

The origin of Montjuïc Castle

The privileged location of the Montjuïc mountain there’s been a military watchtower since the city’s origins. The first fortress was built in 1640, during the revolt against Felipe IV. It was a structure of 4 towers that allowed the sighting of the enemy approaching both by land and by sea.

The fortress was demolished and rebuilt in the form of a castle in 1751 by the military engineer Juan Martín Cermeño. The castle has undergone various reforms and extensions depending on the army or ruler who had it in possession. The last reforms were made between 1779 and 1799 and left the castle as we know it today.

The castle has had various uses throughout its history. Since the origin of the city, this position has served as a military enclave for the different armies that have attacked or defended the city. Its elevated position allowed the invading armies to bombard the city from above, either to try to dominate the city or quell different revolts. In other historical periods, it has been used as a center for detention, trial and execution.

The Castle of Montjuïc during the 20th Century

The Montjuïc Castle played an important role in the Spanish Civil War. The castle was the place where detainees were imprisoned in the Barcelona Tragic Week. After the uprising, the city of Barcelona was an important enclave of the republican government. During this time, the castle was converted by the Frente Popular into a prison and place of execution for all types of prisoners. After the victory of the national side, roles changed and the castle became a prison and place of execution for prisoners of the Republican side.

Throughout the time, many important figures in the history of Spain have been executed within its walls. Manuel Goded, along with the commander of Infantry José López-Amor Jiménez and the captains Enrique López Belda and Luis López, responsible for the military uprising in Barcelona, were shot at the Montjuic Castle. One of the best known was the president of the Generalitat, Lluís Companys.

In 1960, the Ministry of Defense partially ceded the Castle to the city of Barcelona. Since 2007 there is a collaboration agreement between the City Council, the Generalitat, the Ministry of Defense and the Amics del Castell de MontjuÏc Association, which are responsible for managing the castle. It is foreseen that in the future it will serve as the site of a Peace Center, a museum that explains its history by advocating not to repeat the mistakes of the past. At present, the Castle offers guided tours, permanent and temporary exhibitions, as well as workshops and other cultural activities.

The Montjuïc Castle today

How to get to the Castle?

You can access the castle by car, by public or private bus, on foot or by bike. If you go in your own vehicle you should know that there is a large parking lot next to the Castle which you can access through Carrer Dels Tarongers. The parking price ranges from € 1.90 to € 3 per hour and is also open to private buses. If you decide to use public transport, bus 150 goes from Plaza de España to the top of the Castle in about 20 minutes.

However, the most attractive and tourist option to reach the castle is the cable-funicular combination. For this, we must take the Montjuïc Funicular, located at Paral.lel metro stop, on line L3 (green). The funicular will take us to the Montjuïc Park Station, where we can get into the cable car, which will take us to the top while enjoying spectacular views. If you decide to walk to the top of the station, keep in mind that there are slopes with a high drop in certain sections of the route. But on the other hand, if yo are walking you can enjoy Joan Brossa Gardens or Mossèn Cinto Verdaguer Gardens.

When to visit the Castle?

The Castle of Montjuïc has two different schedules depending on the season. From November 1 to February 28 it opens until 6 PM, while from March to October it opens until 8 PM. January 1 and December 25 will remain closed. February 18, May 18 and September 24 are open days, so access is free for everyone.

How much it cost?

Accessing to this historic fortress costs 5 euros, while the reduced entrance is only 3 euros and can benefit from it people between 16-29 years, over 65, unemployed, people with a library card, beneficiaries of the Tarjeta Rosa, large families, single-parent families and groups of more than 10 people.

The first Sundays of each month are free throughout the day, while the rest of Sundays of the year, you can enter for free after 3:00 p.m. It must be remembered that the entrance includes visiting the Montjuïc Castle with temporary and permanent exhibitions.

A truly complete historical visit

The Castle of Montjuïc is a tourist visit that is worth it. Not only you can see its exhibitions or its architecture and review its history, but also you can visit its courtyard, the terrace or the ravelin. The walls, the moat or the canyons are other elements of the castle that you can admire and touch in person. You can also enjoy time contemplating the fantastic views from the top and you will understand even better the importance of the of the castle’s location. A 360º panoramic view of the city of Barcelona. It’s magical.

In the Moat of Santa Eulalia, one of the castle’s moats, the Municipal Archery Field has been implemented, a municipal sports equipment with restricted use for this sports lovers.

During the summer months, screenings are organized in the same castle’s moat. The event is known as “Cinema a la fresca”, open-air cinema. Therefore, if you are in the city these days and want to know the castle, enjoy a live concert and a good movie, come to Montjuïc!

Featured image: Entrace and moat of the Castle, Barcelona

Der Beitrag Montjuïc Castle in Barcelona: everything you need to know erschien zuerst auf Barcelona Segway Tours.

Bunker’s Panorama Barcelona, a piece of Barcelona’s History

They are actually air raid bunkers used during the Spanish Civil War and then deserted for years.. but now they’re back, but instead of ducking from bombs, “los bunkers” have taken on a whole new meaning…

View from the Bunkers towards the city & sea below.

The Bunkers are known locally as “Los Bunkers del Turó de la Rovira”, which is a complicated way of saying that they’re located at the top of “Rovira’s hill” in the heart of the “Carmel” neighbourhood.

This is without a doubt one of the city’s best-kept secrets and the best panoramic view of all of Barcelona – which is not an easy claim since there are many!

Although the structures date to the period of the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) there’s no need to worry about dilapidated infrastructure – the Bunkers were recently renovated. That said, it makes for a perfect outing to gather with friends, makes an outdoor picnic, contemplate the city below with that special someone or even go it alone.

Barcelona was bombarded several times during the Spanish Civil War. Above, in 1938.

To back up that claim of Barcelona’s best view, you can expect a 360º vista of the entire city – from the mountains of Collserola behind you, to Montjuic to the south, the Besòs neighborhood to the north, and of course, the sprawling city at your feet – which ends where the vast blue Mediterranean begins. If you happen to be a photographer – even an amateur – this is the spot for you!

So, now that you’re convinced, here’s the big question: how do I get to this secretive place? Well, there are a few ways: first is by metro. Getting off at the “Alfons X” stop on the L4 (yellow line) is one option, following the exit for “Ronda Guinardó”; another option would be taking the V17 bus and walk a few more minutes uphill. Or, once you make that first local Catalan friend, you can reach the Bunkers by car! So, make your way off the Ramblas, and go where the locals go “to get away from it all” (even though you’ll still be in Barcelona!”) – you won’t be disappointed!

Der Beitrag Bunker’s Panorama Barcelona erschien zuerst auf Barcelona Segway Tours.