The Magic Fountain of Montjuïc in Barcelona is a world-class attraction in a city famous for its magnificent architectural and historical monuments. Every year it attracts millions of tourists from all over the world.
The History of the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc
On the slopes of the Montjuïc hill there is Carles Buigas Square, where this amazing fountain is located. The square with the fountain was built in the late 1920s in connection with the opening of the then fashionable World’s Fair.
Few people in Barcelona believed that the magical fountain would be erected on time, and that the architect and builders had enough money for this grand project. However, no less than 3,000 workers came to the rescue, money was given by benefactors, and the fountain came into being.
During World War II, the fountain in Barcelona was damaged by Hitler’s bombardment of the city. It was fully restored in the mid-50s. And in the 1980s, the magical fountain received an exquisite musical accompaniment.
In the next decade, Barcelona’s singing fountains were reconstructed, all the old equipment was replaced, and for the Olympics a professional mechanized floodlighting with thousands of bulbs was installed.
As a result, today the Montjuïc Fountain is one of the most magnificent decorations of Barcelona, a popular attraction among tourists and citizens, and one of the trademarks of the city. And the locals often call it the Singing Fountain.
Description of the Montjuïc Fountain
This fountain in Barcelona creates a real water extravaganza to the sound of music. Tourists only have time to take selfies against this untold beauty, and the transparent jets of the fountain under the influence of light spectacularly change their colors.
The entire fountain is divided into separate parts, has a complex engineering structure. Thanks to the beautiful music, structure and wonderful illumination, many people call this Catalan wonder of light the Singing Fountains of Barcelona.
Fountains of Montjuïc on the map (interactive)
The main bowl of the fountain has a size of 60 by 65 meters, ie. is an oval, in the center of which several cascades function. Near this bowl is equipped with decorative ponds. Huge volumes of water are pumped out of the cisterns every second.
Interestingly, the complex mechanisms of the Magic Fountain in Barcelona have been working since its opening, i.e. since the twenties of the 20th century, almost a century. This is not a modern invention at all.
A few hours before the show starts, thousands of tourists come to the Magic Fountain to get the best seat, where you can see all its beauty. The show begins with the famous song “Barcelona” sung by Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballé.
The show is best seen from the steps of the National Palace. Already an hour before the start of the performance, all the steps are occupied. The rest of the audience takes the closest seats as. from afar, the fountain can be seen perfectly, but the music is much worse.
In addition to the singing fountains on Montjuïc, many people can see other shows. It often hosts performances of classical and contemporary music stars of Catalan, Spanish and world level, ceremonies, awards and celebrations.
At the end of the High Season, crowds of tourists gather in Barcelona to see the most astounding fireworks in front of the Magic Fountain. This pyrotechnic performance is dedicated to the city’s patron saint, St. John the Baptist. Eulampia.
Operating hours of the Montjuïc Fountain
Magical shows are held at Carles Buigas Square throughout the year.
- In High Season, from April through October, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. are repeated every half hour.
- During the Low Season, November through March, Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. repeat twice an hour.
More information about the Magic Fountain in Barcelona is available on the official website of the capital of Catalonia in English:
barcelona.cat/en/what-to-do-in-bcn/magic-fountain
How do I get to the Montjuïc Fountain?
In the subway you should navigate to the station “Plaza España”, this is the tourist area of the city, to get to which you should choose the subway branch L. If you take city or tourist buses, look for the stop “National Museum”.
You can take a cab, and any local cab driver knows very well where Carles Buigas Square is. Or rent a car and use a high-resolution map of Barcelona.
