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Montjuïc - Hill of the Jews in medieval Catalan language or maybe a corruption of Latin Mons Jovicus that is, hill of Jupiter. Both the cities of Girona and Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, have a Montjuïc.
In Barcelona it is a massive hill overlooking the harbour, with a 17th century fortress at the top. The top can be reached using a funicular and then a cableway. Part of the slopes are covered with a well attended park and gardens.
The Olympic Stadium used in the 1992 Summer Olympics is located in the slopes opposite to the city. It was originally built for the non-fascist "alternative Olympics" in 1936, which were never held due to the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War. The Olympic Plaza is dominated by a striking, yet non-functioning, telecommunications tower designed by the architect Santiago Calatrava, and built in 1992.
The roads in the slopes facing the city used to be a Formula One racing circuit, hosting the Spanish Grand Prix on four occasions. However, a terrible accident in the 1975 race saw Rolf Stommelen's car crash into the stands, killing five spectators; the Spanish Grand Prix never returned to Montjuïc as a result.
Formula One history
| Season | Date | Winning Driver | Winning Team | Report |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 | April 27 | Jochen Mass | McLaren-Ford | Report |
| 1973 | April 29 | Emerson Fittipaldi | Lotus-Ford | Report |
| 1971 | April 18 | Jackie Stewart | Tyrrell-Ford | Report |
| 1969 | May 4 | Jackie Stewart | Matra-Ford | Report |