Tibidabo is the highest peak of the Collserola Hill (serra de Collserola) in Barcelona, about 512 meters above sea level.
The name comes from the Latin frase tibi-dabo, meaning I will give you. These two words are, according to the Bible verses, a passage in which Satan tries to make Jesus fall into temptation, by saying I will give you all you want. It was said that this mountain would have been the perfect place for the devil to tempt Jesus, offering him all the richness and graceful of Barcelona, showing him the amazing view of the city from there.
Legends apart, thanks to its privileged and elevated location of the mountain, the Tibidabo peak offers a spectacular view of Barcelona.
Find out more about the area. Book your tour or reserve your tickets online!
CosmoCaixa
The Science Museum of Barcelona, known as The CosmoCaixa is located at the bottom of Tibidabo, in the Collserola's Mountain. The building was originally an Asylum for blind people built in 1909 by Josep Domènech i Estapà, and renovated in 2004 as the current museum.
The monumental installation has a total of nine floors dedicated to exhibitions and activities, six of which are located in the underground, filtering natural light. In the museum you can find many spaces, such as the Waterfall Wall or the Geological Flooded forest, recreating natural, geological, and geographical areas. It also has engaged in all kinds of scientific progress and experimentation, having even a Planetarium exploring the mysteries of the Universe.
These are the main areas of the Museum:
The Science’s Square
A large open square, where you can experience great inventions and scientific artifacts.
The Geological wall
It is an installation showing various structures and geological processes, with seven sections.
The Flooded forest
This section is especially impressive: a flooded Amazon forest with the large fauna and flora inhabiting in it.
The Living matter
It shows a journey through the history of art and its evolution from the Big Bang to the present.
In this, and other rooms of the museum you will discover the mysteries of our world, and see the events that revolutionized our Universe with your own eyes .
The Planetary
If you want to see the whole Universe, this is the place. It shows the evolution of different times in history, and how the universe has been transformed by cosmic phenomena.
In the Planetary there are several rooms dedicated to children, where they can experience and stimulate their curiosity about science through games and experiments.
In addition to these permanent exhibition halls, the museum organizes very often exhibitions and children’s activities for families.
Temple del Sagrat Cor
On top of Tibidabo two constructions stand above everything else.
We are talking about the Temple of Sagrat Cor (sacred heart), and the Communications Tower of Collrserola.
Enric Sagnier rose the Christian Catholic Chruch between 1902 and 196, an impressive Temple dedicated to Jesus.
With the enormous bronze statue of Christ, extending his arms on top of the temple to the great city at his feet, this church is extremely beautiful and impressive. The sculpture, with eight metres hight and five tons of weight, crown this spectacular temple, situated 539m above the sea.
The statue was made by sculptor Josep Miret, and placed in the temple of Tbidabo in 1950, replacing the original one made by Frederic Mares and destroyed in 1936, during the Spanish Civil War.
The church is visible from many points of Barcelona, especially at night, and from a very far distance.
Communications Tower
Also spectacular is the Telecommunications Tower designed by Norman Foster, the tallest building in Barcelona. It was built to broadcast the Olympic Games to the world in the Olympics back in 1992. With its needle-shape, this building is truly unique, currently used as a lookout and panoramic viewpoint.
From the tenth floor, through a remarkable glass elevator using a glass elevator, you can access a spectacular view of Barcelona and The Natural Park of Collserola.
This Park is a protected nature reserve since 1987 and it’s perfect for hiking, walking or biking along the mountain natural paths and beautiful areas.
Viewpoint Collserola Communications Tower
- Phone: 93 211 79 42
- Email: [email protected]
The Amusement Park
One of the most popular attractions of this area is the Tibidabo Amusement Park, a magic place for young and old. The park is definitely worth a visit if you are visiting Barcelona with your children but not only. The Tibidabo Amusement Park is the oldest Amusement Park of Spain and the second oldest one in Europe.
The Park preserves historical attractions such as The Watchtower, in place since 1921 and the roller coaster. A remarkable legendary attraction of the park is The Aeroplane, where you will have the sensation of flying over Barcelona. This metallic plane airborne has the great importance of being the first flight simulator of Spanish history.
Another interesting attraction is the Mysterious Castle, a house of horror and mystery, with its funny Hall of Mirrors, where you will be able to see yourself reflected in the most unexpected ways!
Find more family friendly activities in Barcelona.
Astronomical Observatory
The Observatory Fabra is another interesting building of the area, built in 1901, commissioned by Camil Fabra, the Marquis of Alella. It is an Astronomical Observatory, work of Josep Domènech i Estapà with a very interesting modern art style, now converted into a Museum of experimental physics, displaying some of the most important scientific inventions.
The most incredible part of the Observatory is that you have the opportunity to have dinner in the spectacular terrace during the summer months, an unforgettable experience, watching the stars and the city at night. The dinner includes a guided visit of the building and if weather conditions allow, you will able to use the Telescope to see the stars even more closely.
The dinner experience is called “Sopars amb estrelles” and must be booked in advance (we recommend at least one month) Phone reservations: 902 10 92 30
Couldn't find a spot? Enjoy one of our other culinary experiences in Barcelona:
How to get there
Address:
Pl Tibidabo , 3-4 08035, Barcelona
Bear in mind that whatever the kind of transport you choose, the price is a bit more expensive than the usual public transports in Barcelona.
Bus T2 Tibibus
This is the cheapest and most direct way to get to Tibidabo, recommended if you do not have much time.
Take the T2 Tibibus from Plaza Catalunya: the stop is at the corner of Rambla de Catalunya with Pl.Catalunya.
FGC + Tram + FCG Tibidabo
Another way is by combining several types of transportation, for example the amusing funicular that you can combine with a little hike. Take the FGC railway line L7, from Plaza Catalunya to Avinguda Tibidabo stop. Once there, take the Blue Tram (Tramvia blau) Funicular stop. Finally, take the Funicular del Tibidabo the will leave at the Amusement Park.