Sants Montjuic

Barcelona has given Montjuïc a new identity, transforming it from a historic military stronghold into a vast park by day and playground by night. It is a veritable hub of activity which positively brims with energy and life, boasting a very healthy amount of world famous art museums, theatres, restaurants, bars, cafes and clubs. As Montjuic was also the central site of the 1992 Olympics, it is therefore home to many large sporting facilities that cater to numerous activities such as swimming, running, walking and bike trails, climbing and tennis.

It’s very safe to walk at night; have a drink in a bar, eat some tapas and marvel at the illuminated fountains leading up the face of Montjuic toward the MNAC - Museu National d' Art Catalunya (National Modern Art Museum of Catalunya). Here, on weekend nights takes place a fabulous show of water, lights, and music is where the grand Magic Fountain of Montjuic takes centre stage. Montjuïc is the large hill that lies in the southwest corner of the city, bordering the Poble Sec neighbourhood, and is one of the oldest sections of Barcelona.

Throughout the city’s history, whoever controlled Montjuïc's peak controlled the city. The Laietani made Montjuïc their base for collecting oysters, before they were subdued by the Romans, who erected a temple to Jupiter on its slopes. Since then, dozens of despotic rulers have constructed and modified the Castell de Montjuïc, built atop the ancient Jewish cemetery (hence the name "Montjuïc," which means "Jew Hill"). In the 20th century, Franco made the Castell de Montjuïc one of his "interrogation" headquarters; somewhere deep in the recesses of the structure, his beneméritos ("honorable ones," a.k.a. the militia) are believed to have shot Catalunya's former president, Lluís Companys, in 1941. The fort was not available for recreational use until Franco rededicated it to the city in 1960.

To navigate the massive park you may need a map the first few times…Barcelona Tourist Office supplies one that will suffice.

RECOMMENDED NIGHTLIFE
Razzmatazz, OttoZutz, Black Sheep, City Hall, LeKasBah, Sutton, Mondo, Danzatoria, Shoko, Opium Mar, Rivelinos, Opium Cinema, CDLC, Catwalk, La Terraza, Discothèque, Chupito Bar, Princesa 23, Nasty Mondays, Liquid, Pepino, Kharma, Roxy, entre otros.

AREAS IN THE DISTRICTS
Sants, Hostafrancs, La Bordeta, Poble Sec, Font de la Guatlla, Magòria, La Marina, Zona Franca y Montjuic.

RECOMMENDED MUSEUMS
El MACBA, Picasso, Joan Miró, Gaudí, MNAC, Museo de Cera de Barcelona, Museo Marítimo, FC Barcelona, Olímpico y del Deporte.

RECOMMENDED SCHOOLS AND UNIVERSITIES
EADA, EAE, Uniersidad de Barcelona, IED, Universidad Autónoma, La Salle, ABC, Don Quijote, ESERP, Speak Easy, European University, IS, Olé Languages.

SHOPPING CENTERS
Eroski, Caprabo, Consum.