Castell de Montjuic (Montjuic Castle), Barcelona (must see)

Perched at the very summit of Montjuïc, an 18th-century castle commands breathtaking views of the entire city and an expansive stretch of coastline. The initial fortress was constructed in 1640 and witnessed numerous battles during the War of the Spanish Succession in the early 1700s. Following the triumph of Felipe V, the Montjuïc fortress was reconstructed by the Bourbon rulers to maintain control over the local population. Infamous for its role as a prison and torture center, it continued to serve this purpose until after the Civil War, where notable Catalan leaders, including Lluís Companys, were imprisoned and executed.

While the castle once housed a military museum, the formal restoration of the castle to the Catalan authorities by the Spanish government in 2008 led to the transformation of the museum into a center dedicated to peace. Exhibits now chronicle the evolution of Montjuïc and the castle's tumultuous history. The castle's cable car ride and its dramatic location alone make it worth a visit. The views from the ramparts are truly magnificent, and below the castle walls, the panoramic Camí del Mar pathway stretches for one kilometer, leading to the Mirador del Migdia viewpoint. At this viewpoint, visitors can enjoy the pleasant outdoor bar named La Caseta, offering a great escape from the city and the added bonus of cool harbor views during the summer months.

Why You Should Visit:
Ideal for a lazy afternoon and quite fun to get to, taking the funicular railway first, then either the cable car (quite expensive but great views) or the bus (not so scenic but free on a T10 ticket).

Tip:
If you prefer to climb by foot, be prepared for a considerable amount of stair climbing, so please wear sturdy and comfortable shoes.