Just up from, and behind where I stay there is a castle on the hilltop. The castle is built right on the edge of the cliff so it affords panoramic views over the old city below, as well as the Mediterranean Sea. I go up there often as it is a perfect place for running. Nice off road terrain for my running - as well as scenic views to motivate me!!
The castle boasts thick high walls and has very attractive gardens. I do not think it is on every tourist's agenda because it is not always crowded with people. Thus, it is a pleasant place to go to. In the Summer open air movies are screened in the garden outside the castle. A huge screen is placed against one of the tall walls and the movie is projected onto the screen. I have often run past there in the Summer evenings and seen a movie being projected onto the screen.
The history of the castle is rather interesting. It is the only place in the city of Barcelona where you can still find a statue of Franco - the former dictator of Spain. The castle was used as a prison for anarchists and political prisoners during the Franco dictatorship. The President of Catalunya (this region of Spain) was executed at the castle too. So it is a place the Catalans would not like as it reminds them of their oppression under Franco, the dictator. Catalunya never wanted to be part of Spain and did not like being governed by Spain. It has always favoured self-governance.
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| Entering the castle, by bridge. |
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| The cannons around the castle. |
The castle boasts thick high walls and has very attractive gardens. I do not think it is on every tourist's agenda because it is not always crowded with people. Thus, it is a pleasant place to go to. In the Summer open air movies are screened in the garden outside the castle. A huge screen is placed against one of the tall walls and the movie is projected onto the screen. I have often run past there in the Summer evenings and seen a movie being projected onto the screen.
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| Open air cinema in the summer months. |
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| Manicured gardens. |
The history of the castle is rather interesting. It is the only place in the city of Barcelona where you can still find a statue of Franco - the former dictator of Spain. The castle was used as a prison for anarchists and political prisoners during the Franco dictatorship. The President of Catalunya (this region of Spain) was executed at the castle too. So it is a place the Catalans would not like as it reminds them of their oppression under Franco, the dictator. Catalunya never wanted to be part of Spain and did not like being governed by Spain. It has always favoured self-governance.
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| View of the sea. |
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| View of the city bowl. |
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