The Magic Fountain in Barcelona

Families, Outdoors, Places of interest, Things to see on May 19, 2009 4:03 pm

12 metres wide and with 3,620 water jets that can spout water up to 4 metres high, the Magic Fountain is the central focus of a the now world-famous music and light show that takes place at the foot of Montjuic in the centre of Barcelona.

Located in perfect surroundings for this type of show, it is overlooked by the Palau Nacional with is impressive staircases and waterfalls and itself has views along the avenue running down towards the towers of Plaça d’Espanya.

Shows start on the hour and half hour and begin with the hits of the 70s and 80s including music of Queen, Freddie Mercury and The Eagles to name a few. Later, the music changes and the fountain comes alive to the classics including works by Beethoven and Vivaldi. The combination of the lights, the music and the dancing jets of the fountain make it a surprisingly entertaining and relaxing experience and is a great way of spending a couple of hours before heading out to dinner.
It was built on the occasion of the Universal Exposition in 1929 by Carles Buïgas on the site of the Four Columns by Josep Puig i Cadafalch which were destroyed in 1928 making way for the fountain. The building work lasted for less than a year.

The big stairways which go from the fountain to the “Palau Nacional” are the perfect place to admire any one of the 3 shows, perhaps bettered only by a seat at one of the ‘chiringuitos‘ (little bars), situated right in front of the fountain. Arrive early to get the best locations because the shows are very busy pretty much the whole year round.

There are two different timetables for the shows, depending on the time of year. In the winter (October to April), the fountain operates on Fridays and Saturdays from 7 in the evening until 9 at night. In the summer (May to September) the timetable changes and the shows run from 8 in the evening until 11:00 at night on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

It’s located on the Avenida Reina Maria Cristina and you have to get the metro L1 (red line) or L3 (green line) and get off at “Espanya”. Once you’re there, you won’t be able to miss it, so you shouldn’t need any more directions about how to get there.

The fountain is one of Barcelona’s biggest tourist attractions and is a great way to chill out and enjoy the Catalan capital’s excellent climate.

Also if you´re interested in seeing some amazing photos captured live when I went, then just click here.

Have you been to the Magic Fountains? What did you think? Would you like some more information about visiting the fountains? Leave us a question or comment below – we’d love to hear from you!

Jessica

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