War bunkers in the Carmel district

Amazing 360º views of the city, deafening silence and a bit of wartime history to boot. So, in short, an advertisement for a historical monument known as Bunkers del Carmel. No, seriously – if you suffer from breathtaking views and at the same time you don't want to crowd with other tourists like on a "competitive" Tibidabu or Montjuic, this place will be something for you. 

A brief history or why bunkers were created?

War bunkers on top of a hill Turo de la Rovira they were built here in the first half of the 20th century during the Spanish Civil War. Their goal was to protect Barcelona from so-called carpet raids, when the city was bombed by planes of Italian fascists supporting General Franco's right-wing rebels.

The original plan was to have two anti-aircraft guns in the bunker, but in the end the garrison at the time decided to equip the hill with four 105 mm Vickers cannons. However, they did not last even a year in operation - in January 1939, Franco's followers occupied Barcelona and the then Republican government capitulated. The bunkers on the site remained intact, the cannons as well, only they were disarmed so that they could no longer be used.

Bunkers del Carmel today

Today, the bunkers on the Turó de la Rovira hill are not very well known, but an increasingly popular excursion destination for locals and tourists alike. On warm summer days, you will come across groups of people organizing picnics, couples in love waiting for the sunset or individuals hunting for photos. with that amazing view of the city.

If you wanted a photo with the cannons, you're out of luck, it's been removed a long time ago. Only their plinths and extensive remains of bunkers and shelters remain as a memento - these are unfortunately not accessible. Although the ravages of time (and local graffiti artists) have taken their toll on the place, it's still an interesting place with a special atmosphere and one of the best views of Barcelona. 

As with other monuments in Barcelona, ​​it is better to go here early in the morning – ideally arrive here before 9:00. Thanks to this, you can enjoy the views alone or with a maximum of a few other people.

My tip: If you like to take pictures, go to Bunkers del Carmel later in the afternoon or after dark - in sunny weather you will be treated to an amazing sunset and in the dark a great view of the illuminated city.

From May 2023 with restrictions and only during the day

Unfortunately, the bunkers have become a major tourist attraction in the last few years (#overtourism), which brought crowds of visitors, noise or unorganized night parties with alcohol to a previously not very visited place. The city therefore decided - similarly to other places in Barcelona (e.g. Park Guell) – regulate visitors as part of sustainability.

The result of this is the introduction of "operating hours" during which you can visit the bunkers. It is open from 9:00 a.m. to 19:30 p.m. in summer and from 9:00 a.m. to 17:30 p.m. in winter. Compliance is monitored by the police. 

The measure is said to be temporary, but I honestly don't think it will be lifted.

How to get there?

The bunkers are located on top of the Turó de la Rovira hill, which is similar to e.g. Park Guell part of the Carmel neighborhood. If you will be in Barcelona for a few days, I definitely recommend combining a visit to both places.

You can get to the hill comfortably by public transport, but you have to walk to the very top – although the path is a bit steep, it takes about 25 minutes, you might sweat, but it's definitely worth it!