Atop Turó de la Rovira in the Carmel neighborhood of Barcelona, you’ll find one of the most beautiful spots to admire the city’s best views: the Bunkers del Carmel. Have you visited them yet?
These remnants of the Spanish Civil War have become one of the city’s most emblematic and visited sites, offering a journey into the past with breathtaking panoramic views.
A Bit of History…
Built during the Spanish Civil War as an anti-aircraft battery to defend the city from fascist bombings, the Bunkers del Carmel witnessed one of Barcelona’s most challenging historical chapters. After the war, these spaces were abandoned and fell into ruin until the 1990s, when restoration began, transforming them into an exceptional viewpoint. Since then, the Turó de la Rovira viewpoint has become part of the city’s heritage and one of the locations of the MUHBA – Barcelona History Museum.
Today, the Bunkers del Carmel symbolize the city’s resilience and resistance. Their historical value is complemented by the impressive 360-degree panoramic view of Barcelona they offer. From the top of Turó de la Rovira, you can see the entire city, from the Sagrada Familia to the Mediterranean Sea, including the Gothic Quarter, Park Güell, and the mountains surrounding the city.
MUHBA – Barcelona History Museum and the Bunkers del Carmel
If you want to delve deeper into the history of the Bunkers del Carmel and the Spanish Civil War, the MUHBA (Barcelona History Museum) offers a guided tour of this site. During the tour, you’ll explore the tunnels and anti-aircraft batteries, learning about the historical context in which they were built and their role in defending the city.
How to Get to the Bunkers del Carmel
Reaching the Bunkers del Carmel is relatively easy and can be done in several ways:
- By Bus: Lines 24, 36, 45, and 112 have stops near Turó de la Rovira. From there, it’s a 15-minute walk to the top.
- On Foot: The walk from the Carmel neighborhood is a bit strenuous but offers beautiful city views. It takes about 30 minutes to reach the top.
- By Private Transport: You can drive up to the top of Turó de la Rovira by car or motorcycle, but parking is limited.
- Barcelona City Tour Bus: Hop on the East/Green Route bus, get off at Stop 13 (Park Güell), and walk 20 minutes to the viewpoint (consider buying a snack along the way). It’s that simple!
Visiting the Bunkers del Carmel is free. You can access it through any of the six entrance points located at:
- Carrer Marià Labèrnia
- Carrer Labèrnia, stairs to the officers’ residence
- South slope, access to the viewpoint
- South slope, access to the water tank
- West path, access to the northern slope
- North slope, access to the MUHBA information center
Visiting Hours
The site is open daily during the following hours:
- Summer Hours: 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM
- Winter Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Tips for your visit
- If visiting Bunkers del Carmel during the summer, we recommend going close to sunset. This is not only to enjoy the views but also because the public spaces have no shade to protect you from the sun.
- Wear comfortable shoes for the walk up to the Bunkers del Carmel.
- Weekends tend to be very crowded with tourists and locals. Try to visit between Monday and Thursday to avoid the crowds and get the best photos.
- Families live in the surrounding areas, so please avoid bringing music equipment that could disturb the neighbors.
- Access is prohibited at night. During the summer, you can only enter until 7:30 PM.
- You can bring food and drinks to the bunkers, so you can enjoy a small picnic while taking in the views. However, remember to bring a bag to take your waste with you when you leave.
Visiting the Bunkers del Carmel is a unique experience that combines history, nature, and stunning panoramic views. It’s an ideal place to spend a pleasant time with family or friends, enjoying the city’s vistas. If you’re looking for other spots in Barcelona with the best panoramic views, we invite you to read this article: Barcelona Panoramic Views.
What are you waiting for? Explore the Bunkers del Carmel today!📸
