BARCELONA: BATERIA ANTIAEREA IN SANT PERE MARTIR

Throughout history, the mountain of Sant Pere Màrtir, located in the Park of Collserola, has acted as a strategic point for the defence of Barcelona. During the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), an anti-aircraft defence point and a radio-telephony centre was set up on the mountain. Moreover, what is now the Casa de les Aigües (water distribution facility) was converted into the headquarters of the soldiers stationed there. 

This radio-telephony centre was set up on Sant Pere Màrtir Moutain during the Spanish Civil War

Franco’s army, aided by the Italian and German air forces, bombed the civil population systematically. In these circumstances, in 1937 the Government of Catalonia decided to build air-raid shelters. The main anti-aircraft defence group in Barcelona was located on the Rovira hill, whereas Sant Pere Màrtir and Montjuïc became support facilities.

An anti-aircraft battery was built on Sant Pere Màrtir comprising three cannons or artillery units to shoot down enemy aircraft. There are still some remains that bear witness to the presence of the reflectors and of the casemate. Two of these defensive platforms are now open to the public and are a testimonial to the fight to defend democracy in Catalonia.

The anti-aircraft defence of Sant Pere Màrtir

The day was lovely, so we enjoyed a lot this route around Sant Pere Màrtir

Tibidabo and Collserola Tower from Sant Pere Màrtir in the Park of Collserola

Broadcast Station in Sant Pere Màrtir

Here was located one of the artillery units of the anti-aircraft battery which was built on Sant Pere Màrtir

Another place where was located an artillery unit of the anti-aircraft battery of Sant Pere Màrtir in Barcelona

And finally, the third place where was located a artillery unit of the anti-aircraft battery of Sant Pere Màrtir in Barcelona

Sant Pere Màrtir in Barcelona

Casa de les Aigües in Sant Pere Màrtir

View of Barcelona from Sant Pere Màrtir in Collserola Park

Camp Nou and Montjuïc from Sant Pere Màrtir in Barcelona

Espai Plaça Mireia in Sant Pere Màrtir

Espai Plaça Mireia is a perfect place in Sant Pere Màrtir to have a drink

If you are interested in this guided tour to know more about the anti-aircraft defense or battery of Sant Pere Màrtir, next you have some useful information:

- Guided tours take place the first Sunday in February, March, April, May, June, July, September, October, November and December. Visits can also be rranged for school parties and other groups.

- Meeting point and time: Mireia Square in Esplugues de Llobregat at 11:00

- Visits must be arranged in advance at the Can Tinturé Museum

• Tel no.: +34 93 470 02 18
• e-mail: museucantinture@esplugues.cat