Tibidabo, Barcelona

About Tibidabo

Tibidabo is the highest point of the Collserola ridge that hems Barcelona in to the north-west. Its name comes from Latin, *tibi dabo*, 'I will give you', from the Gospel story of the temptation, in which all the kingdoms of the world are shown from a high mountain. The view from here really does take in the whole city and the sea.

On the summit stands the Sacred Heart church by Enric Sagnier, built from 1902 to 1961: a stone crypt below, a neo-Gothic church above and, on top, a large bronze statue of Christ with outstretched arms. Next to it is the amusement park, opened in 1901 and one of the oldest in Europe.

The church and viewpoints

Entry to the church is free. Inside are mosaics and stained glass, and terraces around it look out over Barcelona: on a clear day you can see the Sagrada Família, the port, Montjuïc and mountains on the horizon. For a small fee a lift climbs almost to the statue for a full panorama.

Nearby is the Collserola Tower, a telecoms tower designed by Norman Foster for the 1992 Olympics, which sometimes opens its viewing deck. Around the summit spreads the Collserola nature park, with forest trails where locals walk, run and cycle.

What to see on Tibidabo

• Sacred Heart church — mosaics and the statue of Christ on top.
• The church terrace — a view over all of Barcelona.
• The amusement park — vintage rides and a Ferris wheel.
• The 1928 aeroplane — a ride modelled on the first Barcelona–Madrid flight.
• Collserola Tower — a viewing deck above the ridge.
• Collserola trails — forest walks.

The amusement park

Tibidabo Amusement Park is laid out in terraces on the summit, so even the children's rides spin 500 metres above the city. Vintage rides survive here: a Ferris wheel with red cabins, the Talaia platform that swings out over the slope, and the famous Avió, a replica of the plane that flew from Barcelona to Madrid in the 1920s.

There are modern rollercoasters too, toddler areas and a museum of mechanical automata. Tickets come as a full pass or a lighter one covering a few rides with views. For families, it's one of the best full-day outings in Barcelona.

Tips for your trip

It's cooler and windier on top than in the city, so bring a jumper even in summer. There are cafés in the park and restaurants by the church, but they cost more than in town, so many people pack a picnic for the terraces. Transport runs less often on weekdays, so check times for the return trip.

If you're only going for the view, you don't need a park ticket: the church and its terrace are free. A good plan is to go up for sunset, watch the lights of Barcelona come on, and take the bus back. From the summit you can also walk down the Collserola forest trails towards the Sarrià district.

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How to do it right

• The summit and church are free.
• Check the park calendar first.
• Bring a jumper: it's cool on top.
• Best views at sunset.

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