Búnquers at the Turó de la Rovira

Búnkers at the Turó de la Rovira

The Turó de la Rovira, situated in one of the mountains of the Carmel neighborhood near the Horta district, overlooks the city of Barcelona. The word la rovira refers to the oaks located along the mountain (Turó ). Although the city has spread across and below the sides of the mountain, the location of this park is high enough to afford a 360º panoramic view of metropolitan Barcelona. At 262 meters above sea level, one can see the urban expanse of Barcelona, from Montjuïc in the southwest to the coastal areas to the north. The blue waters of the Mediterranean forms a magnificent backdrop for this view of the metropolis. The views are breathtaking and spectacular.

The hilltop houses the remnants of an anti-aircraft installation and military observation complex built during the Spanish Civil War to defend the city from aerial attacks by the Nationalist forces of Franco. There are bunkers, gun turrets, observation areas, barracks, and the remains of other military installations. It was one of the four strategic installation for the defense of Barcelona during the Spanish Civil War. Later in its existence, the site also houses a shantytown known as "Los Cañones" until the 1990s.



The Museu d'Història de la Ciutat has developed this area as a heritage site with an exhibition space dedicated to the history and importance of these installations. The intent is to preserve the structures and honor the efforts to protect the city during that war. The Museu has a downloadable brochure describing this site and its history. Click here to download.

Hours for the site:

• Wednesday, 5pm to 8pm.
• Saturday & Sunday, 10am to 2pm
• July & August: Saturday, 5pm to 8pm.
• Sunday, 10am to 1pm & 5pm to 8pm

  
How to get there:
Location: Carrer de Marià Labèrnia, s/n
Transportation: Bus 119 or V17
No entrance fee.

While the area has easy access points, the climb to the bunkers can be steep and is in some places via narrow stairs. The "Búnquers" do not have full handicap accessibility. The park, however, is very accessible with pleasant walks and even pedestrian bridges.