Catalonia is an impressive region, it not only highlights its natural beauty and its immense cultural wealth, but also its extensive historical legacy. This can still be seen in various areas of Barcelona, the Catalan capital, and above all, in the Montjuic Castle, one of the oldest remaining fortresses in the city.
Since its inception, Barcelona has been closely linked to its port, from where several of the voyages that shaped the modern world set sail. However, before becoming one of the most important coastal areas in Spain, the Barcelona port was small, and prone to attack by invading forces.
For this reason, the local administration decided to take advantage of the geographical elevations of the city, and build a watchtower on one of its hills. This point of defense was aimed at protecting the port of Barcelona, and alerting about any possible invasion.
Over time, the watchtower became a fortress, and it became one of the most recognizable buildings in the Catalan capital. Likewise, the Montjuic Castle offered more than just a good view of the Mediterranean Sea, since its quarries were the point of origin of the oldest buildings in Barcelona.
Today, Montjuic Castle continues to dominate the Barcelona chasm. Likewise, it is known as a castle and not a fortress, in order to separate it from its military past, which was the protagonist of some of the darkest moments in Spanish history.
For example, it is said that the Montjuic Palace carried out executions, torture, detention of civilians, executions and capture of several trade unionists, who protested against their precarious living conditions, as well as mandatory military enlistment and domination. that Madrid exercised over Barcelona.
In addition, the Castle of Montjuic played a leading role during the Spanish Civil War, since those who were against the republican movement were imprisoned there. It is estimated that several of these inmates were also executed within the castle.
Due to its dismal record, the citizens of Barcelona preferred to avoid Montjuic Castle, which also became a museum of military history. It would not be until the beginning of the XXI century in which the city council takes possession of the fortress, and begins a long period of reforms, with the goal of turning it into a tourist site.
Fortunately, the rehabilitation plan has been successful, and many locals, tourists and residents visit the Montjuic Castle, to enjoy its incomparable panoramic view and its wonderful climate.
This historical site can be visited independently, but if you want to know in depth all its secrets and discover its mysteries, take the opportunity to take a guided tour.
This starts right at the main door of the fortress, and will take you through each of the corners of the building, including the old dungeons and the terraces, where the cannons were located.
For this reason, the Montjuic Castle is a fascinating, mysterious and peculiar space, which is worth knowing and enjoying.
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