I like to call Montjuïc "Mount Juice" though it translates to something like "Mount of Jews" because it was home to a Jewish cemetery in the Medieval period. Castell de Montjuïc, the 17th century fortress that overlooks Barcelona, is situated at the highest point and has an amazing view. You wouldn't know from the beautiful plantings, lively street vendors, and perpetual parade of street musicians, that its sad and bloody history came to an end only in the second half of the 20th century; it was a place that prisoners were held and executed under the Franco regime. There's a cable-car to reach the top, but the line for it was very long so we walked up. Yeah, we're tough like that.
The cable car.
What fortress is complete without a flag?
Beautiful plantings in the moat.
Another view of the moat plantings.
Incredible view of the city and Mediterranean.
This moat is used for target practice - locals come to hone their archery skills.
Enjoying the sights.
Mordu pointing out an innovation of early modern fortress construction.
Another view of the archery range.
The view from the other side of the fortress is industrial.
Requisite towers.
Old engraving of the fortress (date unknown).
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