Tibidabo is a mountain overlooking Barcelona. It is the tallest mountain in the Serra de Collserola and it has views over the city and the surrounding coastline.
The summit of the mountain is occupied by the Sagrat Cor and it is adjacent to Tibidabo Amusement Park. The Torre de Collserola telecommunications tower is a short walk away. All three are prominently visible from most of the city of Barcelona.
The name derives from Latin and it means ‘I will give you’. The devil told this sentence to Jesus as they looked down from an exceedingly high mountain upon all the kingdoms of the world.
If you are staying in Barcelona for a few days, it is definitely worth organising a short trip there to enjoy the stunning views over the city.
The Cathedral
The Tibidabo Cathedral del Sagrat Cor looks down on Barcelona from the city’s tallest peak, Mount Tibidabo, at 512 metres. You can see it from everywhere in the city of Barcelona. Especially when you are walking up Rambla Catalunya or Passeig de Gracia, you will always see Tibidabo Cathedral on the horizon.
Tibidabo cathedral has been designed by architect Enric Sagnier i Villavecchia. Construction started in 1902 and was finally completed by the architect’s son in Josep Maria Sagnier i Vidal in 1961. The temple is topped by a sculpture of the Sacred Heart of Jesus by Josep Miret Leopard. The architectural style of Tibidabo Cathedral is a mixture of modernism and neogothic.
When you are approaching the cathedral from the Tibidabo funicular station, you are entering at the level of the crypt. Admission to the church is free. For 3 Euros an elevator takes you to the first viewing platform. If you are not afraid of heights, keep on climbing the stairs to the top of Tibidabo cathedral at 548 meters above sea for unforgettable views of Barcelona and beyond.
Opening times: 07.00 to 22.00hrs for the cathedral, the elevator to the top and the funicular to the mountain close earlier, so make sure to be there before 19.00hrs.
How to get to Tibidabo
Tibibus: Tibibus This special bus service runs from Plaça Catalunya to Tibidabo amusement park. The bus stop can is right in front of Caja Madrid Bank in Plaça Catalunya.
City Bus: number 111
By metro: take the brown line L7 from Plaça Catalunya to Avenida Tibidabo. Change to the historic Tramvia Blau to Plaça Dr Andreu from where the Tibidabo funicular leaves.
Cheapest way: For your way up to Tibidabo you can also use the Vallvidrera Funicular. From Plaça Catalunya take S1 or S2 to Peu del Funicular, change to Vallvidrera Funicular and afterwards continue on Bus 111. This scenic ride is the cheapest way up the mountain. You just need one single metro ticket. Just bear in mind that due to a short platform at Peu del Funicular, not all doors open. Make sure to stay in the middle of the train when you board at Plaça Catalunya!
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