La Font Màgica de Montjuïc
District: Sants-Montjuïc
Neighborhood: el Poble-sec
An iconic symbol of the Universal Exposition held in Barcelona in 1929, the Font Màgica, or Magic Fountain, continues to offer an innovative show combining water, music, light and colour.
The Magic Fountain has been, and still is, an important part of some of the biggest events in the city's recent history, including the 1992 Olympic Games and the annual La Mercè pyrotechnic musical show, which combines the fountain's choreographies with a fireworks display. This attracts large crowds of local residents and people from all over the world to Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina.
A surprising fountain
Out of all the waterfalls and fountains that Carles Buïgas designed to embellish the entrance to Montjuïc, the Magic Fountain is regarded as the most beautiful and one of Barcelona’s must-visit sights. Its history dates back to the International Exposition in 1929, when the organisers felt it was necessary to design a special feature that was bold and would surprise people. That was how the civil engineer Carles Buïgas came up with the idea of the Magic Fountain and, although many initially thought it was too ambitious, it was eventually built in under a year with light shows very similar to those you can see today.
A must
Buïgas enchanted the public with light shows that made the fountain more attractive and turned it into a “magic fountain”. The fantastic show offered by moving water, coloured lights and the music that was added in the 1980s, means the fountain is a must for anyone who wants to know Barcelona.
