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In the run-up to the city's World Exhibition, the Magic Fountain (Font Màgica) was built in 1929 in Barcelona. It is one of Barcelona's most popular tourist attractions.
The Magic Fountain of Montjuïc lies at the head of Avinguda Maria Cristina in the Montjuïc neighborhood of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. It is close to Plaça d'Espanya and Poble Espanyol de Barcelona, located below the Palau Nacional on the Montjuïc mountain.
This show features music and a kaleidoscope of shimmering lights in the majestic background of Montjuic Palace. It is the fountain’s spectacular illumination display.
Around 3,620 jets perform water acrobatics that reaches a height of 177 feet (54 meters). Soundtracks span from a remix of Barcelona by Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballé to classical scores. These are uniquely choreographed spectacles on the fountain after dark.
All the guided tours, bike tours, bus tours, and nightlife tours include a stop at the fountain. The spectacular fountain show lasts about 20 minutes. This place is ideal for tourists with kids and first-time visitors. You can stand upwind of the fountain to avoid getting drenched.
Carles Buigas envisioned the Fuente Mágica de Montjuic (Magic Fountain of Montjuïc) for the 1929 World's Fair in Barcelona. It would replace the Four Columns Monument because dictator Miguel Primo de Rivera demolished this monument in 1928 as an offense to Catalan nationalism. Buigas had very ambitious plans with around 3000 workers to finish this project before the fair.
After completion in record time, the first show took place on May 29, 1929. Barcelona's famous fountain continued its shows until the 1930s before it was damaged during the Spanish Civil War. It stayed in operation till Buigas oversaw the repairs in 1955.
In the 1980s, the present-day music/light choreography was added. The Barcelona Magic Fountain was entirely restored by the 1992 Summer Olympic Games. A record of 2.5 million tourists visits every year to enjoy the show.
It would help if you reached the venue an hour in advance to take in the Magic Fountain show. Munch some snacks or have a beer at a nearby shop and try to grab the first show.
Try to get to the steps leading up to the MNAC museum and sit there. The pedestrian bridge on the Plaza de España side is another great spot to sit.
You can go to the 8th-floor terrace of Catalonia Barcelona Plaza and order drinks for a view without crowds.
It would be best if you visited during one of the synchronized light and sounds shows to take in the fountain in its full glory. The light show timings vary by season. During an extended summer schedule on weekend evenings, you can get nightly shows.
Timings are subject to change. You will be automatically booked into a time slot as part of the check out process. Please visit the official website to confirm the time slot before your visit.
You can explore number activities around the Magic Fountain:
One of Europe’s best squares is Plaza de España that houses two 47-meter-tall Venetian towers, an ex-bullfighting ring, and a huge fountain. Here is the view of Barcelona’s top shopping malls.
You can walk into the shopping center (Las Arenas) and take the escalators to get to the top for a spectacular view and sip of beer.
Montjuic Hill is home to the city’s most beautiful public gardens, formidable military fortifications, and the open-air architecture museum Poble Espanyol.
Dinner Nearby
Since the show is late, it's only natural to go for dinner or drinks after.
On account of a delayed show or after the show, it is natural to have dinner or drinks. Here are a few choices available:
Walkabout 15 minutes to the neighborhood of Poble Sec to get to the famous Calle Blai. It is home to a ton of one-euro beer and pintxo bars.
La Tasqueta de Blai at Carrer de Blai 17 serves the highest quality food.
Plata Bistró is ideal for a full dinner with seasonal and authentic tapas. The owner Victor opened this beautifully decorated restaurant to modernize traditional Spanish dishes. Savor the foie gras, grilled octopus, or the calamari.
Walk 5 minutes from Plaça Espanya at Carrer de Sepulveda 23 to find it. You can reserve via the restaurant’s Facebook page or by calling (+34) 935169130.
Suita Ramen at Carrer del Príncep Jordi 6 serves Japanese food. In simple décor, you can try gyoza and green tea cheesecake.