MUHBA Turó de la Rovira is a unique place in Barcelona and part of the city’s significant historic and cultural legacy. Can you guess what it is? Found in the Carmel district, this museum is built on a hill 262m above sea level, giving the site panoramic views across the entire city. Don’t miss out!
From an anti-aircraft military facility to a museum: MUHBA Turó de la Rovira
The site has a fascinating and very special history. During the Spanish Civil War, it housed a number of anti-aircraft guns manned by Republican forces, as well as the associated military facilities. After the war, the hill became home to lots of displaced and homeless people, leading to the construction of a number of unofficial settlements that became known as “shanty towns”.
In the 1960s, Barcelona City Council launched a redevelopment plan that saw large parts of these settlements destroyed, before Turó de la Rovira Park was opened in the 1980s, which included access to the Republican forces’ bunker and became one of the most impressive parks in Barcelona.
In 2010, the bunker was fully restored and opened to the public as part of the Barcelona Museum of History (MUHBA), one of the best museums in Barcelona, with the aim of offering a real insight into city life during the Civil War. Today, MUHBA Turó de la Rovira is a cultural site that showcases the history of the city through a variety of different exhibitions.
The MUHBA Cultural Centre, examining the history of Barcelona
The museum includes several rooms that tell the story of the Civil War in Barcelona, as well as life in the shanty towns that followed in Turó de la Rovira. Visitors can also enjoy an exhibition on the urban development of the city from the 1960s to the present day.
One of the most interesting parts of the museum is undoubtedly the anti-aircraft guns themselves. This underground space provides a unique experience for visitors, allowing them to see first-hand what the conditions were like for those who took refuge in the bunker during the Civil War.
As you can see, MUHBA Turó de la Rovira is a special place that offers a comprehensive insight into the history and culture of Barcelona. But it doesn’t end there. Its location on Turó de la Rovira hill means the site also offers some of the best panoramic views of the city, making it an essential stop on anyone’s itinerary when they’re visiting Barcelona. Get ready to be impressed!
To reach the museum by public transport, take Metro Line 5 (getting off at the El Carmel station) before walking the last few minutes. There are also several bus routes that serve the Carmel district, including lines 22 and 119.
It goes without saying, MUHBA Turó de la Rovira is a cultural attraction that’s well worth adding to your list of things to see and do in Barcelona. Its history and location make it a unique and very interesting place to get to know the city from a slightly different perspective. Enjoy!
