Monday, March 31, 2014

Barcelona's Hidden Amusement Park Overlooking The City

By Javier Castillo - March/31/2014







Feel like you need an adrenaline boost after all the relaxing strolls and lazy long lunches by the beach? If Redbull isn't your thing, then may I suggest a natural way of getting that ultimate heart-pounding rush? If you have seen the movie Vicky Cristina Barcelona, then you probably have gotten a glimpse of the Tibidabo Amusement Park. Remember the scene where Scarlett Johansson, Javier Bardem, Rebecca Hall and Chris Messina visit the amusement park with a series of shots showing some of the major attractions such as the red plane and merry-go-round? The views of Barcelona city from this height - much like their roller coasters - are breathtaking.

You will be surprised to know that the Tibidabo Amusement Park one of the oldest in the world. That’s right, "the world". Shocking, right? On February 20, 1899, Tibidabo Ltd was created by several celebrities and the lands that were bought covered an area that went from present day Sant Gervasi Boulevard to the summit of Tibidabo. The Amusement Park itself was inaugurated officially two years later on October 29, 1901. 

One of the Park´s symbolic rides is the The Plane. This is probably the most recognizable and emblematic ride. Upon its inauguration in 1928, the advertising pitch asserted: "It transports you like a giant bird over an amazing backdrop, and you will feel as if you were flying in a (real) plane."  This red plane was actually a replica of the first aircraft that flew from Barcelona to Madrid. What most visitor’s don’t know is that The Plane continues to be powered (at a relatively slow speed) by its own propeller and it still preserves some of original parts from that period.

Tibidabo offers over 25 rides to discover and the park is built for all ages. There are merry-go-rounds for the kids and roller coasters for the adventurous thrill seekers. In addition, it offers some great shows and street theatre. If you are feeling more spiritual, or need to take a break, then next door sits one of the characteristic landmarks of the Tibidabo complex is the church, the 20th century Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor. It’s that curious and magnificent structure perched atop of Tibidabo Hill that you can spot from Barcelona city.

For more information and opening hours please consult their website: http://www.tibidabo.cat/en/horaris
or email them at comercial@tibidabo.cat or by phone on: +(34) 93 211 79 42.