7 Mesmerizing Locations in Barcelona Featured in Iconic Movies

Barcelona is a city that is characterized by its various monuments, unusual architecture and rich history. The city’s unique charm has attracted internationally renowned filmmakers from all over the world as a prime location for their productions. 

These are a few examples of popular locations in the Catalan capital that have been recently featured in important films.

Ciutat Vella

The Ciutat Vella (Old Town) is a famed district in Barcelona containing the oldest neighborhoods of the city. It is considered the urban center and is made up of el Raval, Barri Gotic, el Born and la Barceloneta. People hail from all over the world to walk through the charming alleys of this district. Some of the most recognizable locations in Barcelona can be found here like: La Rambla, Plaça Catalunya, The Cathedral of Barcelona, Plaça Reial, la Boqueria and the Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar. 

La Rambla and Plaça Catalunya can be seen in Alejandro González Iñárritu’s drama “Biutiful” (2010). One of the climactic scenes in the movie involves the police chasing a group of street vendors through the plaza and into la Rambla. The film, starring Javier Bardem, is almost entirely filmed in Barcelona and it prominently features el Raval and la Barceloneta.

The Ciutat Vella neighborhoods, Born and Barri Gotic, can also  be seen in the upcoming action adventure film “Uncharted” (Ruben Fleischer). The movie starring Tom Holland, Mark Wahlberg and Antonio Banderas has filmed in some of the most emblematic locations of these historic neighborhoods like the Plaça del Pi and the Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar. The star studded cast has also been seen filming in the Catalan town Lloret de Mar.

El Poble Espanyol

The Poble Espanyol is an architectural museum that was built for the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition. It has 117 full-scale buildings representing the various styles of architecture that can be found throughout Spain. 

The Poble Espanyol was featured in the 2006 movie “Perfume: Story of a Murderer” (Tom Tykwer). One of its most iconic scenes was filmed in the Plaza Mayor where the protagonist’s attempted execution goes awry. Additionally, many of the scenes of the movie were filmed in the alleys of the old town of Barcelona.

Laberint d'Horta

The Laberint d’Horta is Barcelona’s famous historical garden. Initially built in 1791 the garden boasts a selection of sculptures, water fountains, ponds, waterfalls, and a beautiful hedge maze.

The historical garden was initially built as a neo-classical garden in the 18th century. In the mid 19th century, the park was expanded with the addition of a romantic garden consisting of gazebos, flower beds, larger trees and a waterfall. The Laberint d’Horta is vastly featured in the film adaptation of the German novel “Perfume: The Story of a Murderer”.

Güell Park

Parc Güell is one of the most emblematic locations in Barcelona. The park designed by famed architect Antoni Gaudi, is exemplary of the Catalan Modernist style that is unique to this region of Spain. Inspired by organic shapes and nature, Gaudi built tree-like columns with irregular forms and included mosaic animals throughout the park. 

The astonishing park was featured in the hit Woody Allen movie “Vicky Cristina Barcelona.” The scene where Javier Bardem runs into Rebecca Hall is filmed in front of the iconic salamander that can be found in the entrance of Parc Güell. Other emblematic Gaudi buildings can be seen  in the movie like “Casa Mila” and “Sagrada Familia.”

Mountain of Tibidabo

Tibidabo Mountain is one of the most recognizable points in Barcelona. It is the highest point of the Serra de Collserola and on the summit of the hill is the Sacred Heart church. Adjacent to the church is the mythical Tibidabo Amusement Theme Park; one of the oldest functioning theme parks in the world. The gorgeous park which was built in 1899 and opened in 1905, has a stunning panoramic view of the entire city. The beautiful silhouette of the church can be seen from most parts of the city. 

The psychological thriller with Christian Bale “The Machinist” (Brad Anderson, 2004) features a scene in  the Tibidabo Amusement Park. The protagonist Trevor Reznik goes on a date to the park with a woman named Maria and her son. In this scene you can appreciate the stunning panoramic view of the city from the Tibidabo Mountain.

Ciutadella Park

The Ciutadella Park lies in the northeastern edge of the old town of Barcelona. The enchanting park was built in the mid 19th century and it houses a zoo, a small lake, museums and a ravishing fountain. 

The Park’s fountain is featured in “Vicky, Cristina, Barcelona” in a scene where Penelope Cruz and Scarlett Johansson are shown taking photos in the park. The famed fountain can also be seen in the Italian film “Three Steps Over Heaven.”

Montjuïc Cemetery

This beautiful cemetery is set on the side of Montjuïc hill overlooking the ocean. Its monuments are inspired by a variety of styles including classic, gothic, art nouveau, and modernism. The cemetery is home to the only collection of funeral carriages found in Europe.

One of the most iconic scenes of Pedro Almodovar’s award winning movie “All About My Mother” is filmed in the Montjuïc cemetery. In this scene the characters of the movie are attending a burial in Montjuïc. In the background you can appreciate the distinct view of the Mediterranean Sea from the cemetery.