A high up yet simple castle. We came for the free admission every Sunday at 3pm. Get the free tickets in advance online so you can bypass the long line that forms for the walk-ins. It's also free every first Sunday of the month. There's some great views, videos, and history displayed. You could get up here via cable car, cab, or walking, which we did, and it was exhausting. read more

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My family spent a pretty fun day here we walked both in and out, which is definitely a hike. Bring your stroller if you have a baby thank goodness we had ours, but it's really a pretty walk-in and there's places in the park to look at the flowers and the ponds and little play areas for the kids so honestly, I wouldn't do it any other way. The castle itself is pretty cool. We had a nice time exploring. We did not get on one of the guided tours just because of when we visited and stuff like that but those can be a little tough with young kids anyway we ended up eating in the restaurant on site and I walked away with terrible terrible food poisoning from the croquettes. It happens but definitely made the rest of our trip not quite as fun. read more

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Based on the name I was expecting a big castle, however it is actually a huge military fort. The fort is accessible through a cable car or you can actually walk up. Once you reach the top, the views are incredible. You can see the shipping port and the city below. We were lucky to have great weather when we visited and were able to walk around the extensive grounds. They have fruit trees planted all around and it's very beautiful and peaceful. The admission price was around 14 dollars, the cable car ride is not included. There were some areas that were very crowded with people taking pictures but it wasn't too bad. This used to be a former prison and it was interesting to learn about the different prisoners that were housed and executed there. It's a good place to learn more about the history of Barcelona during the Spanish Civil War. read more

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Stunning sweeping views of the entire city. The rooms inside were under renovation when we went so they were not open. Bring a jacket because the wind does pic up on the mountain ! read more

Castell de Montjuïc - Local Flavor Near Me - Barcelona, B

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Took the cable car up to Montjuic Castle -- definitely the highlight of the trip. The ride is fun and gives you some awesome views of the city and the sea. Once you get to the top, the views from the castle itself are pretty stunning too. Great photo ops all around. That said, the castle itself is... kind of underwhelming. It's a big, empty stone fortress with not a whole lot going on inside. There are a few small exhibits, but nothing super engaging or memorable. Felt more like walking around an old structure than actually visiting a historic site with depth. Honestly, if I had to choose again, l'd probably go to Montserrat instead. Montjuic is fine for killing a couple hours. read more

Castell de Montjuïc - Local Flavor Near Me - Barcelona, B

Montjuic Castle - She's super old, has dramatic history and has all the views. She's a melodrama. I'm kidding. She's a castle. Originally built for war, now it's just where people come to take selfies and contemplate their medieval villain origin stories. Great place to feel powerful and irrelevant at the same time. Bonus: there's a cannon you're not allowed to climb on but will absolutely consider climbing on. The views are a must. read more

Castell de Montjuïc - Local Flavor Near Me - Barcelona, B

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This fort is located on top of Montjuïc hill, with 360 degree views of the port and city. Reachable via public bus #150, hop on hop off bus, cable car and funicular, it's basically a relaxing walk in the park, since as other reviewers have mentioned, there's not much to do aside walk around the courtyard and admire the views from the rooftop. However I will add when I was there, they were holding a student fashion exhibit ongoing in a two-room exhibit space in the basement. It showcased designs inspired by Antoni Gaudí (which I'm sure if you're in Barcelona you know who he is). The rest of the fort interior is not open to the public. The area surrounding the fort and the fort itself get pretty crowded, on a cloudy late September afternoon there were still throngs of people, though the rooftop (paid entry) wasn't too bad. If you're there for the views, there's a walkway along the outer perimeter of the fort on the side facing the port that provides fairly expansive views. Also as another review mentions the view of the city itself is probably better from the cable cars. Personally I did think the vantage point overlooking the port was a bit better on top of the fort than alongside it, it really depends how particular you are. For the €12 entry fee (€8 reduced and free Sundays after 3pm and the first Sunday of the month) it may not be worth it if you've already taken the cable car. I heard the nearby Olympic stadium is worth visiting though didn't have a chance to drop by personally on this trip. read more

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We got here early to beat the crowds. A bit of the castle was under construction with things getting prepared to be built in the center but there was still a place to get a drink. Lots of great views and places to explore. This is definitely off the beaten path and a nice place to visit if you're a history buff. read more

Castell de Montjuïc - Gardens - Local Flavor Near Me - Barcelona, B

Montjuic Castle is moreso a fortress than a castle, but it was worth visiting to understand the history of Spain way back when, understand the Spanish Civil War, and the history behind Catalonia. There's not much here outside of the courtyard and the terrace with immaculate views of Barcelona. To get here, take the Montjuic Funicular from Paral-lel as it's a 2 minute train up. It's pretty cool honestly. From there, make sure you get the cable car up to the castle. It's better doing that than walking uphill. It does help that this is open on Monday unlike the nearby Olympic Museum (which is what I wanted to see originally). read more

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A great place to have a 360 degree view of Barcelona and to view some areas from above that cannot be seen like that elsewhere. It has some interesting historical relevance in the development of the meter of the metic system with the tower and location tourer is only a few interior areas that have some historical background and outside of that it is just for the views. The price point is the negative as €12 a person as there was not really anything spectacular compared to other historical sites. I would have expected more history aspects being open and not more just going up top for the views. We ended up walking around the parks a mile below and then up so it became a half a day event but would most likely be a one time visit place. read more

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Beautiful views in every direction from up here! I wish the story boards out front would tell more about the recent history of this fort, because the canons and guns mounted on it definitely weren't from the 1500's, 1600, etc. The sad and nasty part of this beautiful site is all the terrible graffiti everywhere. How horrible three vandals are permitted to tag everything in the city! It makes beautiful historic items look like crap. read more

Castell de Montjuïc - Local Flavor Near Me - Barcelona, B

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Located at the top of Montjuic hill Montjuic Castle was used as a fortress back in the day. I was disappointed that admission didn't include touring any of the inside structure, as you are only able to get into the courtyard and the roof. There's a room that explains the history and the roof gives a nice view of the city. I would say to skip the visit of the castle and only take the cable car to take in the views from Montjuic hill. read more

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This is a long journey from the city center for not much reward. There is no interior to tour at this castle, just a courtyard and an upper open-air rooftop, albeit with a stellar view of the city and the Balearic Sea. That's about it. To get there, take the L3 metro to the Paral-lel station, follow the signs for the funicular (which is a free transfer if you don't leave the metro station), and that will take you to the second and final funicular station under the cable car station. Before buying a cable car ticket to continue your journey, I'd suggest walking across the street to see the incredible city view from Salts restaurant. It overlooks the Piscina Municipal de Montjuïc aquatic stadium at which the diving events were held during the 1992 Olympics and offers a view of Barcelona like no other spot! Walk back to the funicular station and go upstairs where you'll pay for a round-trip ticket on the cable car to take you up to the castle. My advice to tourists is to skip the overrated castle altogether and just enjoy the funicular and cable car rides with sweeping views of Barcelona. Walk around the outside of the castle, don't cross the fake drawbridge to pay for entry, and take the cable car back to the funicular where you'll buy one more funicular/metro ticket to return to the Paral-lel metro station. read more

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We visited the Castle late summer it has a nice cafe with air conditioning. That was nice place to sit so my little one could cool off. They had a few art exhibits but, on the top of castle you get to look around and that's about it not very interactive but still cool. read more

This place is actually a fort rather than a castle. It is located at the top of Montjuic. If you have been to colonial era Spanish forts before, then you know what to expect. This place reminded me of the ones I'd seen in the Caribbean but in a lesser version. The fort is actually very bare compared to other ones I'd seen, and consists mainly of an open courtyard. The best feature of this place are the nice views of the city. read more

Castell de Montjuïc - Local Flavor Near Me - Barcelona, B

You go here for the views! 360 and you can see the entire city. The fort is interesting and if you like big guns these surround the fort. Others may like the dungeon (I will refrain from naming you). Sadly, you cannot go in the dungeon, but you can see how Barcelona was protected from invaders. read more

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Took the metro then the funicular up to Montjuic, walked through this beautiful but hot garden to the Miro Museum, then up through more beautiful but hot garden to the Catalan Art Museum, and then still had to climb up through another hot but beautiful sculpture garden to get to the base of the fort. The fort involves more hot climbing, so just be ready for all that. It wasn't until what was left of me was leaving did I see the public bus that comes all the way up here. Oh well, I needed the exercise I guess. The fortress itself is interesting, all the more if you read about its history before you get here. Climb up to the top and you get a magnificent view of the city and environs, as well as the port and the ocean. Near the top is a nice café with some good ice cream choices and cold beverage choices. read more

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Montjuic Castle is an old military fortress, with roots dating back from 1640, built on top of Montjuic hill in Barcelona. It currently serves as a Barcelona municipal facility. I reached at here by public bus. The castle is located at top of Montjuic Mountain. I didn't wait the bus to the castle because many route buses are running among this section. The location of the castle was suitable for defense from the attack of enemy battleships mooring at Barcelona harbor. Please look at my pictures. You will find the appropriate location. So many cannons is facing to the side of the sea. The foundation stone for the basic fortification was laid out in 1640. A year later, in January 1641, the fort saw its first battle, during the Catalan Revolt when the Principality of Catalonia challenged Spain's authority. On orders from the king of Spain, Pedro Fajardo,heading an army of 26,000 men, proceeded to crush the revolt. The Spanish recaptured several cities, but they were defeated at the Battle of Montjuic by Catalan, led by Francesc de Tamarit. At that battle, colonel Shane O'Neill or known in Spain as Prince JuanO'Neill, died leading his regiment during the Battle of Montjuic near Barcelona, dying from a musket-ball wound to his chest near the town of Castelldefels. In his honor, the king of Spain granted the Colonel the death title of Viscount Montjuic. Later in the 20th century, the castle became a military museum. In June 1963, Francisco Franco inaugurated the Military Armor Museum, the official name given to the institution. read more

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The views up here are amazing! It's a great way to see Barcelona after you've visited the cathedral, Sagrada Familia, and other landmarks since you can point them out. I recommend taking the teleferic (cable car) for the scenery. The bus also takes you up most of the way, but a taxi can drive you to the entrance of the castle. Both bus and taxi are cheaper than the cable car though. Admission into the castle is €5 per person, but free on the first Sunday of the month. There are nice hiking trails around the castle as well as in the park. It's beautiful during the day. Inside is cold. I enjoyed the outside of the castle more than I did the inside. read more

From here you can see Barcelona, ocean and all! It was so windy and cold when we were there. So much of history here. Walking along the fort, feels like you are in other times. There's one cafeteria which is super busy with slow service.. But you feel grateful, cause that's the only place, you can sit inside against cold cold wind blowing from all four corners,, get hot drinks and food. Restrooms also available. After this we took funicular which was fun also. read more

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This place is lame. Not worth the time or expense. The views ca be had from outside the "castle".

If you love a good hike, the 360 degree views of Barcelona taken from the perimeter of Montjuïc Castle provide some of the best views of the city. But as you enjoy the view, please keep in mind the the role of this castle as it pertains to Barcelona's history as it is considered a symbol of repression. The top of Montjuïc had always played an important role throughout Barcelona's history. It initially was a single watchtower where one can scout for enemy ships. Its militaristic role began in the 18th century where it defended the city during War of the Spanish Succession but sustained heavy damages. It was due to the efforts of the Spanish military engineer Juan Martin Cermeño that reconstruction of the fort took place into the castle that you see today. Starting in the late 19th century, the castle served as a prison where it housed lots of political and military prisoners. The most notable prisoners were Colonel Escobar and President Lluís Companys, whom the latter was notably executed by firing squad in the moat. During the time of Franco the castle was partially transferred to the city but a military museum was installed in the castle grounds. When the castle was permanently transferred to the city the military museum was also dismantled. Admission: €5 Getting there: From the Paral.lel metro station (lines L2 and L3), take the funicular to the end of the line. From there you can choose to walk uphill 20-25 minutes or take another cable car up for some gorgeous views. Note that the funicular is also covered by the same ticket as the train and bus. I was unable to take advantage of either (I went in March 2019) so I settled for a bus that went the route of the funicular followed by walking. This was in part how I got my highest step count ever on a trip. I enjoyed the view but my big regret was not doing the research ahead of time with this building as much of my prior research was on churches, museums and Gaudí sites. There's a guided tour offered every day 11am and 3pm in English that would give you the historical context behind the castle as well as give access to the dungeons, the watchtower and the cistern, which are not normally accessible to the public. Had I known about this tour and taken it I would've greatly appreciated the castle for its true significance in the city's history. read more

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We walked around the perimeter of the castle which is roughly 1.5 miles. The castle itself is ok with not much to see. The view is nice, but not sure it's worth the visit. read more

Castell de Montjuïc - Local Flavor Near Me - Barcelona, B

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The front desk agent at our hotel recommended this castle as a "less touristy" place to visit. Actually an decommissioned fort (now a museum), the grounds offer stunning views of Barcelona. On the day we visited, when we were asked our citizenship, we were told that admission was free that day to any non-Europeans...so that was an added bonus. We wandered through the grounds, the top of the fort and went in to look at a few exhibits. In all, we spent 2 hours here. I'd recommend because of the views alone. read more

Castell de Montjuïc - Local Flavor Near Me - Barcelona, B

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Castell de Montjuïc has such a long history filled with heroic moments and horrific atrocities that it's hard for us to imagine what life was like at this military fort and prison ... but let's try with a educational tour through the grounds, dungeons, and watchtower. Sitting atop the prominent Montjuïc hill, the "Castle" offers harbor and city views of Barcelona and the Mediterranean Sea. The site has been used as a lookout or beacon since at least 1073; however, it wasn't until the Revolt of Catalonia (1640-1652) that it became a stronghold against the Spanish fleet of Philip IV in 1640 including the Catalan victory at the Battle of Montjuïc January 26, 1641. From then and throughout the 1700s and 1800s the fort played key roles for Barcelona in various wars and insurgency movements all the way up to the Catalan independence movement. Much of the castle we see today was constructed from 1753-1779. For many years, it's primary purpose was as a prison for thousands of people living in cramped shared quarters. Montjuïc Castle was also the site of many executions over decades. At least 250 people were executed here from just 1936-1939 along including 62 executions in the Santa Elena Moat on August 1, 1938. Conditions at Castell de Montjuïc actually got worse under Spanish dictator Francisco Franco in 1939. On October 15, 1940, President of Catalonia since 2913 was shot by firing squad in the Santa Eulàlia Moat. The castle remained a demoralizing prison until 1960 and became a military museum in 1963. It remained controlled by Spain until Franco's death in 1975 and wasn't returned to Barcelona until 2007. The Catalan flag has flown over Montjuïc Castle since 2011. * Open daily from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm * Open until 8:00 pm in summer * Closed Jan 1 and Dec 25 * Admission: 5€ * Free 1st Sundays * Free all Sundays after 3:00 pm * Guided tours: 11:00am & 3:00pm: 4€ * Tour goes in dungeons and watchtower * The tour was worth the info & access * A 4-room museum is a quick visit * There are 3 exhibition areas for history or art * The site is 656 feet (173m) above the port * So ... the views are wonderful on a clear day * Go online to see the 360º Overlook views * Public transportation requires a bit of a hike * So, we took uber straight to the main gate Barcelona has many iconic and must-see historic sites. Castell de Montjuïc should be among those you visit ... if you can join one of the tours on a clear beautiful day and want to learn about its history and horrors. read more

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Great castle overlooking the Mediterranean sea and the city of Barcelona - all from one place! Getting to the castle was easy with the tram. We chose the one way instead of the round trip because the information station said the walk down is very easy. Loved the very descriptive (3 languages - Catalan, Spanish and English) displays and narration. Expect to take about 2 hours to tour all the levels of the castle. Only food available were from vending machines. A must see attraction. read more

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If you have other places to visit and see and don't have much time, definitely skip this place. There isn't much to see and for only 5 euros, I can see why. It is 3 euros if you are under the age of 30 which I thought was interesting. You do get to see a good view of the city but you can't go any closer to get a good shot. There was an area that was closer but i don't think it was part of this castle. There is a section full of dead grass which I think they should have done some landscaping and but some plants and flowers kinda like how they did in the front to attract some people to go down. The back of the castle was a mess. They do have some trees full of oranges. But yeah it's not worth the time to come here. If you have the time, go for it but I would rather visit the museums that they have around in the area. read more

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Worthwhile for the views of the city and the Mediterranean. We visited early in the morning so I'm not sure what else there is to do here other than look at the structure from the outside, but it was still a very pretty spot regardless. read more

Castell de Montjuïc - Local Flavor Near Me - Barcelona, B

Beware of car break-ins. We were visiting the castle before our air bnb stay was available. We were gone for less than an hour and came back to our rental car, having a window smashed in. There was glass everywhere and all our luggage was stolen. read more

Castell de Montjuïc - Local Flavor Near Me - Barcelona, B

As touristy and not-so-cost-effective as this place may be to visit, it is also an inarguably, and objectively beautiful place, worth dedicating a segment of your day to take in its historic and esthetic value. Incredible view of the entire city on your way up via cable car, aka teleferic en catalán. Affordable little bar / snack vendor atop, where you can catch a cheap buzz and wax philosophical about crap you know very little about. Very pretty site, I enjoyed the visit. read more

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I have 2 words: GUIDED TOUR!!! My boyfriend had been here before (mid 20s visiting Europe first time for me and he had studied abroad there) so we knew Monjuïc was a must do, but when we purchased our tickets at the entrance the cashier happened to ask if we wanted a guided tour for 5€ more. We decided on yes and I literally am so glad. I am not a history buff and my boyfriend is and both of us found it extremely entertaining (Ferran if you're reading this you were the best guide ever!!!!) and informative. You get to see parts of the castle and hear history behind it that I would not have had any idea existed. If nothing else, the tour ended in the watch tower with a full view of Barcelona and that alone was worth the 5€. I am beyond grateful for Ferran and that he asked us if we wanted a guided tour, and that we were the only 2 on it made it that much more fun!! read more

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We happened upon Castell de Montjuïc by accident since we were on our way to the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya. We decided to ride the Telefèric de Montjuïc (sky tram) up in search of the Botanic Gardens. Little did we know, Castle Montjuïc was right there. So we decided to check it out. As with most stone buildings fortified in the 1700s, it's dreadfully cold. The views of the city are amazing. Especially on a clear day. Check it out because it's free to visit! Kind of neat to check out and a great place to bring a picnic to. read more

Castell de Montjuïc - View from Castell de Montjuic - Local Flavor Near Me - Barcelona, B

This was one of the thing which was on my check list. When I first traveling around the city, I saw this castle even from the harbour. It was just a bit late for me to visit this place at the first day of my trip in Barcelona. So I decided to come here other day. At the second I also try to get here after afternoon. Originally, I was on the bus to get here. But I saw that on Google map that it would eventually took more time than I just walked there, so I decided to walk from bus stop I was at. It was good have a walk around the neighbourhood and the park. The caste located at the top of the Mountain Montjuïc. There was quite few shortcuts lead to the top. I was checking the time, at the end. I did get there faster than I was supposed to be. And made it on time before they closed the castle. So the castle will close at 19 in April. The timing might change 1 hour earlier in winter. The cable car next to it close at 18. But notice this cable card only takes the passenger to the low part of the mountin. Not over the harbour. The ticket of the castle was really cheap compared to other tourist attractions in Barcelona. Only cost me 5 euro. The place is huge. Although it been called as castle, but it does seem like a fort me. That was much less fancy and glamour inside. But it got a really amazing view of the city. One side to city, the other to the ocean. I was taking my time and enjoy every moment of this. And it was almost sunset time. It was much less people here. Of course I took quite some pictures as well. I was there about 1 hour. Which until they closed. I also walked back from the top to the city. Just thought it would be more interesting. It took me around 30 mins to get back to the area near the station Liceu. Of course there is bus service and metro service around. I wanted to explored the city a bit more. I think Castle Montjuïc is definitely one of the place must check out in Barcelona. read more

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I went to this place when I was in Barcelona for the second time. Somehow I didn't manage to include it in my previous tour. It was kind of problematic to go there, because the funicular was closed. I walked a great deal, but I liked that, because the weather was very fine that day. When I reached the Castell, I was happy. It was absolutely to my taste. At the ticket office everybody was asked which country they were from. I wondered if this was for the statistics or what. The place is really wonderful, you can see beautiful views to Barcelona and the sea, both past and present together. Perfect for history lovers. read more

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Free admission (well you gotta pay for the transportation up the mountain) and a great place to get views of the city. The funicular ride was slow, but a cool way to get up the mountain and see the city from a distance. A perfect place to go on a sunny day. There are some walking trails too. Came on the weekend and saw lots of people taking a pit stop from walking, running and biking. read more

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Only 5 euros, one of the best bargains in all of BCN. The views are stunning, and the castle is a must-see when visiting Montjuic. We splurged for the cable car ride (10 euros one-way) and then walked down the hill through the Botanical Gardens. If you're limited for time, I recommend that you come here instead of Sagrada Familia. It's not very crowded and its a much better attraction! read more

Definitely a go-to place to explore if you're in Barcelona! If you like taking aesthetic pictures, walking through museums, and learning some history then this is perfect destination. It's located uphill, so you can choose to walk there or you can be lazy like me and take the cable car. We took the cable car on a Friday and it cost 12 Euros roundtrip, but it was definitely worth it because of the amazing views! Once you get there, there is a discount for student tickets. In the middle of the plaza, they have different food trucks for you to grab some grub (it takes a few hours of walking to get through everything). read more

The castle itself is only worth about 3 stars since you are not really able to see much except the outside. The views of Barcelona and the surrounding areas including the bay are the real sights. Montjuic is worth a day visit if you have time in Barcelona. And of course you must visit the castle if you visit the mountain. Tip: Make the Castle your first stop on your Montjuic visit. Everything else is downhill. Take the funiculars up to the castle, enjoy the views for about an hour and then descend down the hill to the museums and Olympic areas of the mountain. read more

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It's a huge park very nice fountains and places to just chill there ... the castle is bit far but a walk in the park is definitely worth it .. fresh air the view of the harbor from the top is priceless.. Loved it read more

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Smaller than I expected but it was so beautiful and the view of the beautiful city was so worth it! There was lots of arts and sculptures. read more

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