Sants-Montjüic is one of the biggest districts in Barcelona. Once a rural settlement, Sants underwent a drastic change during the industrialisation in the 20th century. With new textile mills, factories, and shops, more people migrated to Sants.
Nowadays, it is a residential area, not too far from the city centre, with a wide array of entertainment and cultural options at Montjüic.
Illustration 1 Parc de l'Espanya Industrial by Jorge Franganillo | flickr
Once a textile mill during the industrial period, the factory changed into a public park. Nowadays, locals and tourists can enjoy a small boating lake, green areas, a giant sculpture of a dragon, and other different sculptures, which were created for the 1929 International Exhibition.
The park was designed by Basque architect Luis Peña Ganchegui, in 1985. Only a few years ago, the metal dragon, with a width of 32m and a length of 12m, was added to the park.
Another aesthetic feature are the nine towers, resembling of lighthouses and framing the boating lake, which give the park a certain charme.
Illustration 2 Las Arenas
Las Arenas is more than just a shopping complex. It holds a lot of history, since it used to be one of Barcelona's three bull rings. Built in 1900, it was designed by Catalan architect August Font I Carreras, who also finished the façade of Barcelona's Cathedral.
Bull fights were never a sport that Catalonia enjoyed, but was rather frowned upon. The last bull fight in Las Arenas took place in 1977, one year after Dictator Franco's death.
For a while, the arena was withering away on its own. But instead of tearing the building down, it was renovated and changed into a shopping centre.Visitors can see pictures of the beginning and process of its renovation on the 3rd floor, where pictures are displayed.
Besides the typical shops, Las Arenas also offers a food hall, multi screen cinema, gym, restaurants, exhibition halls, music venue and an auditorium where flamenco shows take place.
Up on the roof, visitors can grab a drink in one of the bars and restaurants.
Las Arenas' roof terrace gives you a 360º view of Barcelona. One can admire Plaça d'Espanya, Joan Miró's Woman and Bird sculpture, the National Palace and Montjüic from above.
One can either take the panoramic lift for 1€ or use the mall's internal lifts to go up to the 5th level for free.
Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC)
Illustration 3 MNAC by Sergi Poveda | flickr
The Catalan National Museum of Art is housed in Palau Nacional, which was built in 1929. This art museum displays a collection of different works from the Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque art, as well as some collections from the 19th and 20th century. You will find different art forms, from sculpture, painting and drawings to prints, posters and photography.
On its rooftop, visitors have two different viewpoints with a 360º view on Barcelona's skyline. One can spy a range of incredible monuments, such as the Sagrada Familia to the Agbar Tower and the buildings of the Olympic Village, to the facilities that make up the Olympic Village.
Illustration 4 Magic Fountain by Anton Broberg Holm | flickr
The famous Magic Fountain was built in 1929 for the International Exhibition, and designed by Carles Buigas. The astounding water and colour play will mesmerize everyone, with its moving water jets and changing colour theme. This spectacle is usually accompanied by background music.
The "Piromusical", the grand finale of Barcelona's main festival La Mercé, also takes place at the Magic Fountain. The end of La Mercè is celebrated with a big fireworks display, a laser show, and the typical water show as well.
Illustration 5 View from Parc de Montjuic by Dave Schumaker | flickr
Montjüic. which means Jewish mountain in Catalan, has a lot to offer. Walking up the mountain, passing by the Magic Fountain and the impressive Palau Nacional, you will be rewarded with several beautiful gardens.
Jardí Botànic – enjoy Mediterranean plants and incredible viewpoints
Jardins de Mossèn Costa i Llobera – next to the plants and views, one can find different cacti there
Jardins de Laribal – one encounters beautiful waterfalls in this garden
Jardins Joan Brossa – is one of the newest gardens, and it perfect to take a stroll or enjoy a drink at one of their cafés
But most importantly, don't miss the breathtaking view on Barcelona's harbour on top of Montjüic hill!
Do you want to discover all the sights in Sants-Montjüic? Habitat Apartments has a wide selection in apartments in Sants-Montjüic.
Plaza España 1 is located in Sants district, near Plaça Espanya and Montjuic. The apartment fits up to 4 people, and is therefore ideal for families or group of friends.
