Bunkers del Carmel

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The site was officially designated as part of the MUHBA network in 2011.

2. 2

   The batteries were armed with four 105mm Vickers anti-aircraft guns during their active period.

3. 3

   The shanty town that occupied the site housed approximately 600 people at its peak in the 1960s.

4. 4

   The Turó de la Rovira was historically used as a strategic military lookout point dating back to the 17th century.

5. 5

   The site was featured as a primary location in the 2012 Spanish film 'Tengo ganas de ti'.

Overview

Bunkers del Carmel offers a 360-degree panoramic view of Barcelona from the summit of Turó de la Rovira. The site features the remains of an anti-aircraft battery constructed during the Spanish Civil War in 1937 to defend the city against aerial bombardment. After the war, the structures became part of a shanty town known as 'el barrio de los cañones,' which existed until the 1992 Olympics. Today, it functions as a public heritage site managed by the MUHBA (Barcelona History Museum). The site is located at an altitude of 262 meters above sea level. While it was once an off-the-beaten-path destination, it has seen significant growth in visitor numbers due to its visibility on social media platforms. Local authorities have implemented crowd control measures and physical barriers to manage the site's popularity and preserve the historical ruins. The ground is largely uneven, consisting of concrete foundations and rocky dirt paths.

Insider tips

• Wear sturdy walking shoes with good grip to navigate the uneven concrete surfaces and loose gravel.

• Bring your own water and supplies, as there are no shops or cafes located at the summit.

• Visit on a weekday to avoid the significantly larger crowds that gather on weekends and holidays.