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Cementiri de Montjuïc - Cemetery on the hill of Barcelona

A cemetery on Barcelona's hilltop and a unique park


The Cementiri de Montjuïc, the cemetery on the hill of Barcelona, is a very special park. This park of about 57 acres lies between the cargo port and the Castell. The very morbid atmosphere has its own charm: here you can experience 130 years of art history, and the cemetery is a unique place of silence in Barcelona.

For the locals, the cemetery is not very popular. This is certainly not because of the place itself, but because the idea that a cemetery could be a tourist attraction is disconcerting. But this is to do the cemetery an injustice - the Cementiri de Montjuïc is a park that has a lot of art history and history to offer, and boasts some very beautiful areas.

At the end of the 19th Century the city grew tremendously and the previously smaller cemeteries in the districts could not be extended. Therefore a new terrain was sought - the then little-used Montjuïc offered an ideal solution.

The cemetery was established on 17th March 1883, being officially opened by the mayor. On 19th March the first burial took place: José Fonrodona Riva a mayor from Cuba. His final resting place is open to visitors.

At the cemetery you can see the various ways in which remains are laid to rest in Spain: in a magnificent mausoleum – most of which in this cemetery are in the neo-Gothic-style, in a earth grave with ornate statues of saints, in family vaults or in the sepulchral niches, i.e. the coffins above ground in large communal graves. Up to eight graves are located here on top of each other. A commemorative plaque at the foot of the grave commemorates the deceased. Whoever was given such a resting place - magnificent mausoleum, niche or grave - surely depended mainly on how much the family members were willing to invest in the grave and its care. In particular the ground tombs and mausoleums are the special attractions of the cemetery. At the highest point of the cemetery you can see a crematorium of the Romans.

Originally the cemetery was planned as a strictly symmetrical system, but with the growth of the cemetery the steep area of Montjuic was also adapted. From 1960 onward Cementri de Conserolla was the the new main cemetery in Barcelona. Overall, in the cemetery of Montjuïc over 152,000 people are buried. Now urn burials primarily take place, and ashes may also be scattered in a special piece of woodland.

Famous people who have found their final resting place at Cementiri de Montjuïc include: the musician and composer Isaac Albeniz, the architect Ildefons Cerdà, the President of the Generalitat Lluís Companys, who was murdered by the Francoists, the founder of FC Barcelona Joan Gamper and the renowned painter and sculptor Joan Miró.

At the cemetery office at the main entrance (Mare de Déu del Port) you can get route plans. With these you can make three 2-3 hour long tours through the cemetery, an art tour, a historical tour or a combination of both.

Why Visit the Cementiri de Montjuïc

  • The cemetery holds great historical significance. It is the resting place of many prominent figures, including artists, politicians, and writers.
  • You will see numerous architectural masterpieces such as elaborate tombs, mausoleums, and statues created by some of the best architects and sculptors of their time. Many of these works reflect the Modernisme style, a Catalan variant of Art Nouveau that has been particularly influential in Barcelona.
  • You can enjoy breathtaking views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. Its peacefulness offers a beautiful contrast to the noise and hustle of the city.
  • The cemetery administration regularly offers guided tours, night tours, and concerts, providing a truly unique experience.

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Important information

Surroundings
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Address
Mare de Déu del Port
Phone: +34 934 841 999
www.cbsa.es

Opening times
Daily 8-18.00
Administration and Information:
Mo.-Fr. 08.30-14.00, 15.30-18.00
Sa., Su., Holidays 08.30-14.00

Admission
Free admission

Tips for the visit of the Cementiri de Montjuïc

In the information center at the entrance you can get some tour suggestions on various topics. For a tour you can schedule about an hour.