Carmel Bunkers: Civil War Site & Barcelona’s Best Viewpoint
Visit Carmel Bunkers at Turó de la Rovira: Barcelona’s top viewpoint with Civil War ruins, museum access, and panoramic sunset views. Entry now regulated
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About Carmel Bunkers
Turó de la Rovira, located in Parc del Guinardó, is a hilltop site offering one of the best panoramic viewpoints in Barcelona. Known locally as the Carmel Bunkers, it provides 360-degree views over the city, including iconic landmarks like the Sagrada Família and the Mediterranean coastline.
Carmel Bunkers History
The anti-aircraft battery at Turó de la Rovira was built in 1937 during the Spanish Civil War to defend Barcelona from aerial bombardment, particularly by Italian planes flying from Mallorca. Though the guns were largely ineffective, the site played a strategic role in the city’s wartime defense.
After the war, the bunkers became part of a shanty town, with squatters converting the concrete structures into homes. Some slabs were tiled over during this period. The area was cleared ahead of the 1992 Olympics, and today the bunkers stand as a preserved ruin and historical site.
Image Gallery For Carmel Bunkers
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Visiting Carmel Bunkers
Access to the Carmel Bunkers is now regulated due to noise complaints and misuse. Since May 2023, the site is fenced and closed at night. Visitors are only allowed during official hours:
- Summer (April–October): 09:00h to 19:30h
- Winter (November–March): 09:00h to 17:30h
Local police patrol the site and enforce closures. Sunset visits are still possible, but nighttime access is prohibited. The viewpoint remains free to enter during open hours.
MUHBA Turó de la Rovira Museum Hours
The MUHBA Turó de la Rovira museum is located inside the bunkers and offers a free exhibition on Barcelona’s wartime history, post-war shanty towns, and aerial defense strategies. Content is in Catalan and Spanish.
- October to May: Tuesday & Wednesday: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm / 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm; Saturday & Sunday: 11:00 am to 3:00 pm / 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
- June to September: Wednesday: 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm; Saturday & Sunday: 11:00 am to 3:00 pm / 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Hours may vary on holidays. No ticket required.
Accessibility & What to take
Bicycles are allowed at the outdoor ruins, but not inside the museum. There are limited places to lock bikes near the ticket office.
Ramp access is available via Carrer de Maria Labernia, but it’s steep and may be difficult for wheelchairs. Pushchairs are manageable with effort.
Bicycles are allowed at the outdoor ruins, but not inside the museum. There are limited places to lock bikes near the ticket office.
Ramp access is available via Carrer de Maria Labernia, but it’s steep and may be difficult for wheelchairs. Pushchairs are manageable with effort.
Recommended Items
- Water and sun protection — there’s no shade or facilities
- Comfortable shoes — expect gravel paths and uphill climbs
- Camera or smartphone — for sweeping city views
Carmel Bunkers Summary of Prices
Train/Bus Fare
Entry Ticket
Additional Information
Train/Bus Fare
Entry Ticket
Additional Information
Adult
Zone 1 T-casual
FREE
Child
€ 1.25
FREE
Notes
Interior of bunker free entry Wed 10h-14h, Sat & Sun 10h-15h.
Getting to Carmel Bunkers
Address: Carrer de Maria Labernia s/n, 08032 Barcelona
The bunkers sit atop Turó de la Rovira and require a short uphill walk through parkland.
- From El Carmel (L5): Walk uphill via Carrer de la Conca de Tremp, then Carrer de Mühlberg
- From Guinardó – Hospital de Sant Pau (L4): Use escalators on Carrer del Telègraf to reduce the climb
- From Parc Güell: 20-minute walk via Parc del Carmel and Carrer de Mühlberg — ideal for combining both sites
Bus Routes: TMB 24, V19, and 86 stop at Carretera del Carmel – Mühlberg. Use a T-Casual or Hola Barcelona Travel Card.
Documents for Carmel Bunkers
Wikiloc Trail for Carmel Bunkers
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