Bunkers del Carmel

Built in 1937 to defend the city from bombing by Francoist aviation, taking advantage of the fact that the Turó de la Rovira hill is one of the highest points in Barcelona. After the war, the area filled with shacks where families without resources lived well into the 1990s.

Nothing remains of that today except the concrete platforms of the old batteries, but the view from up there — the whole city out to the sea, with the Sagrada Família marking the centre of the Eixample — is probably the best free panorama in Barcelona.

There's no shade or facilities up top, so bring water if you go in summer, and keep in mind the climb has steep stretches with no alternative transport. At sunset it fills with people having picnics and playing music; if you want quiet, go early in the morning.

Frequently asked questions

Is it free to climb up to the Bunkers del Carmel?

Yes, access is free 24 hours a day.

How do you get up to the Bunkers del Carmel?

By metro to Alfons X (L4), then a steep 15-20 minute climb; there's no alternative transport to the top.