From Monjuïc to the Plaça d'Espanya
Montjuïc is translated as Hill of the Jews in the medieval Catalan language, or as a corruption of Latin Mons Jovicus (that is, hill of Jupiter).
Barcelona's Montjuïc is on the southeast of the city center. The top of the hill (a height of 173 metres) was the site of several fortifications, the latest of which (the Castell de Montjuïc) remains today. The fortress largely dates from the 17th century, with 18th century additions. In 1842 the garrison (loyal to the Madrid government) shelled parts of the city following disturbances. It served as a prison, often holding political prisoners, until the time of General Franco. The castle was the site of numerous executions. In 1897 an incident popularly known as Els processos de Montjuïc prompted the execution of anarchist supporters, which in turn lead to a severe repression of the workers' struggle for their rights. On different occasions during the Spanish Civil War, both Nationalists and Republicans were executed there, each at the time when the site was held by their opponents. The Catalan nationalist leader Lluís Companys i Jover was also executed there in 1940, having been extradited to the Franco government by the Nazis.
The surviving buildings from this effort include the grand Palau Nacional, the Estadi Olímpic (the Olympic stadium), the ornate Font Màgica fountains, and a grand staircase leading up from the foot of the Montjuïc at the south end of the Avenida de la Reina Maria Cristina, past the Font Màgica and through the Plaça del Marquès de Foronda and the Plaça de les Cascades to the Palau Nacional. The Poble Espanyol, a "Spanish village" of different buildings built in different styles of Spanish architecture, also survives, located on the western side of the hill. Mies van der Rohe's German national pavilion was constructed at the foot of the hill, near the Plaça del Marquès de Foronda. It was demolished in 1930 but was rebuilt in 1988. You can find an Barcelona accomodation, right in this district, and benefit from a great atmosphere. From you Barcelona apartment, you will have access to various museums such as The Fundacion Joan Mirò. Indeed from the Plaza d'Espanya, you can either see various exhibition buildings from 1929, while the central position in front of the Palau Nacional is given over to the illuminated fountains, the Font Màgica, which form part of a spectacular sound and light show.
The top can be reached using a funicular (part of the Barcelona Metro) and then a cableway. There are also many Barcelona hotels at your disposition.