The Calatrava tower

The Calatrava Tower, also known as the Torre de Comunicaciones de Montjuïc or Torre Telefónica, is an iconic telecommunications tower in Barcelona, Spain. Designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, the tower was built as part of the city's preparations for the 1992 Summer Olympics.

The design of the Calatrava Tower dates back to the 1980s, when Barcelona was undergoing a major urban transformation in preparation for hosting the Olympic Games. The tower was designed to serve as a key communication point during the Games and to symbolise the city's modernity and innovation. It was completed in 1992 and has since acquired great symbolic importance for Barcelona.

Torre Calatrava

Visit the Calatrava Tower

The Calatrava Tower has a number of architectural features. It consists of a slender steel structure with a characteristic spire-shaped top. Its overall shape is reminiscent of an athlete carrying the Olympic flame. The base of the tower is covered in white "trencadís" in homage to the mosaics used by the modernist architect Antoni Gaudí.

It offers a panoramic view of the city and the coast from its summit, providing a spectacular experience for visitors.

The tower is located on Montjuïc hill, a popular tourist spot in Barcelona. Montjuïc is home to a number of other attractions, including the Olympic Stadium, the National Art Museum of Catalonia, the Poble Espanyol, the Joan Miró Foundation, the Botanical Gardens and Montjuïc Castle. The tower is therefore often included in Montjuïc's tourist itineraries.

Finally, the Calatrava Tower is often illuminated at night, adding to its beauty and making it a remarkable visual landmark in the city.