One of Barcelona's two promontories -- the other is Montjuïc -- this hill bears a particularly distinctive name, generally translated as "To Thee I Will Give" and referring to the Catalan legend that this was the spot from which Satan showed Christ, and tempted him with, all the riches of the earth (namely, Barcelona below) "if thou will fall down and worship me" or, according to the Gospel according to St. Matthew (in Latin), "Haec omnia Tibi dabo si cadens adoraberis me." When the wind blows the smog out to sea, the views from this 1,789-foot peak are legendary. Tibidabo's skyline is marked by a commercialized neo-Gothic church built by Enric Sagnier in 1902, a radio mast that used to seem tall, and -- looking like something out of the 25th century -- the 854-foot communications tower, the Torre de Collserola, designed by Sir Norman Foster. There's not much to see here except the vista, particularly from the tower. Clear days are few and far between in 21st-century Barcelona, but if (and only if) you hit one, this two-hour excursion is worth considering. The restaurant La Venta (Pl. Doctor Andreu s/n, Vallvidrera. 93/212-6455) at the base of the funicular is excellent and is a fine place to sit in the sun in cool weather (the establishment provides straw sun hats). El Mirador de la Venta (Pl. Doctor Andreu s/n, Vallvidrera. 93/212-6455) has great views and contemporary cuisine to match. The bar Mirablau (Pl. Doctor Andreu s/n. 93/418-5879), overlooking the city lights, is a popular hangout.
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