The first fortification was built in 1640, during the Reapers' War, and the present star-shaped castle with its moat dates from the 18th century. Rather than defend the city, it served to control it: Barcelona was bombarded from here in 1842.
It was a military prison and a place of executions; in 1940 Catalan president Lluís Companys was shot in its moat. Today it is a city-run site with an interpretation centre and ramparts overlooking the port, the sea and the whole city.
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Checked on November 4, 2026.
Sources: Wikidata · OpenStreetMap · Google Maps (Place ID) · Ajuntament de Barcelona – Castell de Montjuïc