Barcelona, Spain: Montjuïc Olympic Stadium

Barcelona, Spain is home to numerous sports facilities, among which the Montjuïc Olympic Stadium stands out. Built halfway up Montjuïc hill, the stadium is now open to the public free of charge. From July 25 to August 9, 1992, it served as the main venue for the 25th Olympic Games in Barcelona. The tall, antenna-like structure outside the stadium is the Olympic telecommunications tower (some bloggers have mistakenly described it as the cauldron, but the actual cauldron is inside the open-air stadium, which can hold 55,000 spectators). In an iconic moment, the Olympic torch was lit by Antonio Rebollo, a 37-year-old archer from Barcelona who had polio and had won medals in archery at the 1984 and 1988 Paralympic Games. Rising from his wheelchair, he used the torch to light an arrow, which flew like a spirit across the night sky, landing precisely on the cauldron 70 meters away and 21 meters high, igniting the Olympic flame. This archery lighting was a groundbreaking innovation for the Olympic cauldron. It is said Rebello practiced the feat over 2,000 times.

Today, the main stadium quietly recounts its glorious past to visitors.

Travel tip: The Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys (Montjuïc Olympic Stadium) is not far from the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC), located on the hillside behind MNAC. As early as 1929, MNAC was the site of the Barcelona International Exposition, then known as the Palau Nacional; it is well worth visiting together. The summit of Montjuïc hill (173 meters high) is home to Montjuïc Castle. With no vehicle access, it can be reached on foot or by cable car from the Parallel metro station. The hill also features the large and beautiful Montjuïc Park, with fountains and Baroque sculptures, as well as the Archaeological and Ethnological Museum. Part of the castle has been converted into a military history museum. From the castle, you can enjoy panoramic views of Barcelona's port and the city. Many attractions in this area are close to each other, making a full day well worthwhile.

Address: Passeig Olímpic, 17-19, 08038 Barcelona, Spain (Montjuïc Olympic Stadium)

Address: Carretera de Montjuïc 66, 08038 Barcelona, Spain (Montjuïc Castle)