Hidden Spots
Every place has their own hidden spots. Those hidden location is what makes a place unique. On the surface, places seem just like any other but more you dig under the layers of history, you find how these hidden spots define a place and the character. How local people see their identity through the stories associated with these spots. These spots also gives people a sense of belonging; membership to a group very exclusive.
El Bunkers Del Carmel
On last Sunday, LazyFrog had a chance to discover such a spot in Barcelona. The place is called El Bunkers Del Carmel. If you are ever in Barcelona, please do visit the spot. It is located in the North West corner of the city in the neighbourhood of Carmel in the District of Horta-Guinardó. Barcelona City has an awesome muesuem at the location.
Before we go down the history lane, LazyFrog would like to get you excited for what is to come.
How To Get There
The best wat to get there is take the Metro.
- Line L4 to the station Alfonso X
- Take exit for Ronda de Guinardo from the station
- Take a left once you cross the road. There should be a hill and directions for Parc Horta-Guinardó.
The best part about Barcelona is most of the best views are free.
The Views
Arguably the best views of Barcelona and the mediterranian sea. Even better than Parc Güell. LazyFrog took bunch of pictures and he shall let the pictures do the justics.
The History
Pre-War
The history of these hills is as old as the city itself. It also reflects the evolution of Barcelona through the history. Many people know this place as Spanish Civil War era bunkers but the history of this place is older than the city. During 17th century, as more and more migrants starting moving to Barcelona, residential space got very hard to find. Lot of the poorer migrants got pushed towards the north western hills. These migrants created the first settlements. There were about 2 to 3 families who lived in these hills and created the first houses and gardens. There are still some remanence of those lives in the beautiful motifs and tiles left on the hill.
The Civil War
During the Spanish Civil War, republican forces had setup anti-aircraft batteries as these hills were the ideal location for it. In fact the scientists in the republic had created a device to detect the incoming aircrafts of the fascists, that was probably the precursor to sonar and radar. Officers barracks and other civil war era buildings are still there. Some of them were restored and the visitors can get a glimpse of their lives.
Post War
The bunkers and the hills turned into ruins after the civil war. As Barcelona resumed its normal hum and industrious life, the migration started again. This time around more people started renovating the old bunkers and the barracks that were left behind. Lot of the houses started popping up below. the hill and around the path that leads up to the hill. This place developed into a shanty town pretty fast. Especially during the industrial expansion of Barcelona, lot of poor and undereducated migrants moved to the area and built their lives. Up until as recent as 1990, it was not recognised as part of the city. Today, it is considered part of the city and residents get access to most of the services as other Barcelona city residents.
Fun Fact : In 1970s an adult school was started to educate the residents of this neighbourhood. Many of the residents were very young and also illiterate when they or their families moved to Barcelona. They never got a chance to learn how to read and write. This adult school provided basic literacy and education to many of the residents of this neighbourhood.
These hills are a mini history of Barcelona. If you are ever in Barcelona, I would definitely recommend to go over there to see an early morning sun-rise in summer.
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