Bunkers del Carmel in Barcelona

The Bunkers del Carmel are a series of historic, Spanish Civil-War era bunkers in Barcelona, known for providing panoramic views across the city. This heritage site sits on the Turó de la Rovira hilltop overlooking Barcelona, within the district of El Carmel. Composed of several underground military bunkers, historic buildings and ruins, the Bunkers del Carmel are considered to be a hidden gem within the city of Barcelona.

You’ll find visitors of all ages at the Bunkers del Carmel in Barcelona, whether there to explore the site’s long-running history or simply enjoying beautiful views over the city skyline. Visitors often spend between 1 and 2 hours at this hilltop destination, especially during the evening when the sunset provides a colourful backdrop behind Barcelona. The Bunkers del Carmel can be reached by car or via a scenic hike up the Turó de la Rovira.

Bunkers del Carmel in Barcelona - one of the highlights of Most Instagrammable Places in Barcelona and 10 Best Things to Do in Barcelona on a Small Budget (Read all about Barcelona here)

What are the highlights of Bunkers del Carmel in Barcelona?

The hilltop Bunkers del Carmel provides some of the most beautiful panoramic views of the city skyline, no matter what time of day you visit. On clear days you’ll likely be able to point out most of Barcelona’s major landmarks and monuments from your perch above the city. Evenings are an especially great time to visit, as the sun sets behind Barcelona. Be sure to bring a picnic or some wine and cheese to enjoy with your sunset views.

Paved pathways and a modern museum are the only modern structures at this site, with the Bunkers del Carmel providing a dystopic charm across crumbling slabs of concrete and ruins. The Museu D'Història de Barcelona provides a small museum within one of the bunkers, exploring the site’s history from the Spanish Civil War to the modern era. Several seasonal guided tours are also available.

foto de Thingstodoinbarcelona (CC BY-SA 4.0) modificada

What is the history of the Bunkers del Carmel, Barcelona?

Built during the Spanish Civil War, the Bunkers del Carmel served as part of an anti-aircraft fortification to defend Barcelona against attacks. Cannons and large guns mounted around the site helped to protect from further bombing in Barcelona. At the end of the Spanish Civil War, the firepower was removed, but the bunkers were left in place. Rising social and class problems in Barcelona left many residents in extreme poverty, and the bunkers became a place of housing and shelter for many locals during the 1940s and 1950s.

The Bunkers del Carmel sat largely abandoned for years until the site garnered local interest and restoration work began in 2011. Since then, bunkers have been excavated and partially restored, and accessibility to the site has been improved. A museum cataloguing the site’s history has also been built within one of the bunkers.

Good to know when visiting Barcelona’s Bunkers del Carmel

To reach the Bunkers del Carmel in Barcelona, take the metro to the Guinardó Hospital de Sant Pau stop, and walk uphill through the Parc del Guinardó until you reach the bunkers. Bus routes to the area also provide service to the nearby Parc del Guinardó. If you travel to the Bunkers del Carmel by car, parking in the area is often limited. Locals recommend travelling to the bunkers by public transportation or by taxi.

The Bunkers del Carmel is an open space atop the Turó de la Rovira, which is accessible to the public at any time. Operating hours for the on-site museum and guided tour schedules change seasonally. More information is available for tour bookings and schedules on the city of Barcelona’s website.

Dirección: Carrer de Marià Labèrnia, s/n, 08032 Barcelona, Spain

Teléfono: +34 (0)932 56 21 22

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