If you go to Barcelona, a city in Spain known for its rich history and eclectic architecture, you will likely encounter Passeig de Sant Joan, a street that borders the Arc de Triomf.

You can hop on the subway here and take the L4 or the L5 to where you need to go like La Pau, Trinitat Nova, Cornella Centre, or Horta.

Font Magica

The Barcelona nightlife is highlighted by the Font Magica, a glorious fountain display that is lit up and has music accompanying it. The best time to see it is at sunset or after dark when the lights really are mesmerizing. It is one of the few free things to do in Barcelona, attracting many tourists.

The Font Magica or Dancing Fountain was built for the Barcelona 1929-30 World Exposition which took place on Montjuick Hill in a park. The fountain is now located in close proximity to the Fira Palace hotel. The fountain fell into disrepair so was restored for the 1992 Olympics. The lights are turned on every evening and the fountains stay active for longer at night in the summer, with a reduced schedule in the winter. The Font Magica is actually a series of fountains that put on quite the impressive dancing light, water, and even the music of famous composers like Verdi and Strauss. The water seemingly dances to the music! This is a show that is well worth seeing. Picture the art deco lights shining up with the Montjuic Palace lit in the background. Breathtaking.

The Passeig de Sant Joan passes through the famous Gracia and also the Eixample district. It begins at the Travessera de Gracia and ends at the Arc de Triomf. This avenue also meets up with the Carrer de Trafalgar.

Arc de Triomf

There are two Arc de Triomf monuments. One is in France and the other in Barcelona. The Barcelona monument was built especially for the 1888 Universal Exposition and is a massive monolith standing solidly at the end (or beginning, depending where you're coming from) of the Passeig de Sant Joan. It is located in close proximity to the Passeig de Llus Companys.

Monumental Proportions

The Arc de Triomf was the main entrance for the Exposition and is absolutely breathtaking. With friezes depicting prizewinning ceremonies on one side and another welcoming visitors on the other side it is clear that the Exposition was a friendly event intended to foster friendships and perhaps a little bit of competitiveness.

The Arc de Triomf is faced with brick and the architectural style is Moorish, with twelve statues of women on it as well. The crown of the Arc de Triomf was designed to incorporate the symbol of the city of Barcelona as well as the rest of the provinces of Spain as well.

A trip to Barcelona without visiting the Arc de Triomf or Font Magica would be one where you were missing two of the best parts of the city.