Our last stop on a busy day was at Montjuic fortress. We splurged for a cable car ride that gave a magnificent view of the city (and saved us walking up a steep hill!). Barcelona is a much bigger city from this hill top than we expected.
There were first fortifications on this hill dating back to the 1000s, but the current one dates to the 1700s. An early battle between the Catalonians and the Spanish throne was fought in 1641. The Spanish failed to take the fortress, but did put down the revolt in the province. Various additions were made over the years, with 120 canons installed around the walls. The castle has been held by the Spanish and the Catalonians over the centuries and has been used as a prison and torture center by both.
Outer wall with garden.
Inner fortification with watch tower.
Great view of the industrial port facilities of the city. We were surprised there were no container ships being loaded, but there was a dockside full of shipping containers.
There were lots of wild flowers along the wall that made the view of the city below quite pretty.
Our group enjoyed chilling after a full day. The breeze coming off the ocean was perfect, making the day not too hot.
On our way down the hill, we passed the Olympic stadium where the 1992 opening ceremonies and track and field events were held. The white metal structure on the left in the picture is the flame torch.
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