The Cemetery of Montjuïc

Ever since we are children, we learn, either by stories from grandma or children's fairy tales, that the visit to a cemetery is always a shocking experience. Walking through the Cemetery of Montjuïc, we will see that this is also a walk through a miniature of Barcelona, the Barcelona of the dead and the silent. Clinging to the side of the mountain and overlooking the sea, this necropolis retains funeral artworks of great value.

At the gate of Barcelona, the imposing Montjuïc Cemetery covers an area of 56 hectares, when in 1883, the industrial and population explosion in the city made it necessary and essential for the inhabitants of Barcelona. During the visit, we will see that this necropolis is a miniature replica of the Eixample of Barcelona of the Modernism.

Throughout the walk, we will see how the social scheme of the 19th and early 20th centuries of the living is also reflected in the world of the dead ones, where the most spectacular tombs are located at the base of the hill, while thousands of them coalesce on the top.

The bourgeoisie in late 19th and early 20th century built its modernist houses in the Eixample, and at the same time, ordered the construction of their mausoleums in the cemetery. Great architects, renowned sculptors and reputed craftsmen were helping to create valuable examples of architecture and funerary sculpture in this place. It is here that strolling between history and silence, we will discover, realistic, neo-gothic and modernist works, holding hands with celebrities such Puig i Cadafalch, Joan Miró or Eusebi Arnau.

During a lovely walk, we will discover personalities buried here who have had an important role in the history and society of the city, such Francesc Macià, the musician Isaac Albéniz and the artist Ramón Casas.

Walking surrounded by peace and Mediterranean vegetation, we will enjoy of a spectacular view over the Mediterranean Sea. Walking surrounded by angels who observe the visitors, and guard those that rest in peace, is quite an experience.

To sum up, to visit the Cemetery of Montjuïc means to discover the Barcelona of the living through the Barcelona of the dead, a moving and absorbing experience.