A mountain of distinction
Tibidabo stands 1500 feet above Barcelona and is one of the city’s most beloved landmarks. Anywhere in Barcelona you need only look up to see the monumental Sagrat Cor Church, the looping rides of the Tibidabo amusement park and the surprisingly stylish Torre de Collserola Communications Tower which occupy the summit; climb up, and there are spectacular views of the sprawling city below and the sparkling Mediterranean coastline.
The Sagrat Cor (Church of the Sacred Heart) is a remarkably beautiful piece of 20th century neo-Gothic architecture, made all the more impressive by its imposing location. The first stone was laid in 1902 and the huge church we see today was completed in 1961. While the church itself looks like a medieval cathedral, the crypt on which it stands is a blend of classical Roman and Gothic design, and displays beautiful painted images of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ outside as well as stunning mosaics and alabaster sculpture in its interior. Atop the church is a huge stone statue of Christ with outstretched arms, whose open gesture embraces the city below.
Trains and planes
Amazingly the amusement park actually predates the church, having first opened in 1889 - it is one of the oldest in the world. Many of the original rides are still operating, such as the Red Aeroplane which takes you flying over the city. Newer rides include the Muntanya Russ rollercoaster, which whirls around the top of the mountain, the Hall of Mirrors (Miramiralls), and a 4D cinema. The fame of the park earned it a scene in the film Vicky Cristina Barcelona with Scarlett Johansson and Penélope Cruz.
Tibidabo is a charming destination, and well worth a journey: it is in fact relatively easy to access by public transport. To get there, take a train from Barcelona city centre to the Tramvia Blau station. In keeping with the quaint antiquity of the theme park, this electric tram, dating from 1901, brings visitors about halfway up the mountain, where you can pause at a café before taking a funicular cablecar the rest of the way to the summit.
