The Carmel Bunkers are a viewpoint built by the Republicans during the Spanish Civil War, made up of anti-aircraft batteries after the first aerial bombardments.
The objective was to protect the city of Barcelona from the Italian fascist aviation that used a bloody tactic called «carpet bombing».
After the war, it was established as one of the last barracks quarters. Despite being popularly known as Los Búnkers, there has never been any bunker in Turó de la Rovira, only an anti-aircraft battery and its facilities.
In this space where we see some houses today, a neighborhood of barracks known as Los Cañones (the cannons) was established in the mid-1940s.
Anti-aircraft battery constructions, such as command posts, officers’ quarters or the battery dormitory, were used to build the first barracks. These barracks were in subhuman conditions, without water, electricity, sewage or garbage collection.
Los Cañones had 110 barracks and 600 inhabitants and lasted until 1990 when the last barracks were demolished.
¿How to get there?
- Bus: V19, 24, 119
- Metro & walking: Getting off at the Hospital de Sant Pau metro stop (L4) and going up Telegraf street. This is a good option if you like to walk. And if you want to walk but don’t want to get too tired, there’s also the option of going up an escalator.
- Walking: It is a wonderful walk through the Turó de la Rovira mountain. Keep in mind that there are areas with quite a slope.
- Taxi: if you prefer to arrive comfortably, it is the easiest way, but also the most expensive.
Museum
Bunkers are a free to access. There you will find a small museum that explains what Barcelona was like during the Civil War and what the city was like after the war.
The exhibition hours are Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
If you want to know more about Los Bunkers click here. (Url not in english)
