Backpacking in Tibidabo
Trip Start
Mar 02, 2011
1
26
33
Trip End
Apr 26, 2011
Where I stayed
Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Overlooking the city is Mount Tibidabo. 1600 ft above sea level, it is the highest point in the city. Sagrat Cor, the Sacred Heard of Jesus church is at the very tip of the peak and is juxtaposed by a quaint 1950's style themepark, as seen in Woody Allen's Vicky Cristina Barcelona. A large statue of Jesus, visible from nearly all parts of the city, sits on top of the church with his arms extended over the city, as if protecting its inhabitants in his arms. I decided that I wanted to get up to this nearby Barcelona getaway, especially since I missed the chance when I was here last June. A funicular (diagonal metro train) grants access to the top of the mountain, but I had arrived after the transport closed for the day. Undeterred, I decided to hike the 1500 ft climb when it was already getting dark. Once I got to the top, I went straight to the top of the chance which features magnificent 360 degree views on all sides of the mountain. With the sun setting in the west, a perfect shadow of the buildings revealed the recognizable grid pattern of Barcelona. I watched the sun recede over the horizon, casting the city in darkness, and fortunately took a bus back to the city below.
