Bateries antiaèries i barraques del Carmel, Military fortification in Horta-Guinardó, Barcelona, Spain.
The Baterías antiaéreas del Carmelo is a military fortification with concrete bunkers and artillery platforms on Turó de la Rovira hill at about 262 meters above sea level. The sturdy concrete structures remain visible today and define the ridge area of this neighborhood.
The site was built in 1937 to defend Barcelona against Italian and German air attacks during the Spanish Civil War. It was equipped with anti-aircraft guns and served as part of the city's air defense system.
After the war, families moved into the bunkers seeking shelter and built a community that lasted until the 1990s. The place became a social landmark showing how Barcelonans adapted to and used military structures in their daily lives.
Access is via metro stations Alfons X or El Carmel followed by a steep walk uphill to reach the site. Plan for a challenging ascent and wear comfortable shoes for this part of the climb.
From the bunkers you can see across Barcelona all the way to the sea and surrounding mountains. This central location made it the perfect vantage point for observation, and today it gives visitors sweeping views across the entire city and its natural borders.
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