“The next drop tower of Tibidabo already has a name…it will be called MerlĂ!”
Tibidabo officially unveiled the name of its latest attraction which now towers over the city of Barcelona and soars to the skies. Tibidabo describe its new attraction as “the new tallest magic wand and is visible from the whole city of Barcelona.”
Its name of MerlĂ derives from the wizard MerlĂ, and how the ride resembles a magic wand topped off with a star. No doubt a magical experience awaits guests onboard.
The park confirms that Merlà was chosen from among all the name proposals from employees of Barcelona Municipal Services, the managing company who oversee of Tibidabo amusement park.
MerlĂ opened in May ahead of the summer season. It stands loud and proud at 52-metres tall (171ft) before experiencing a thrilling drop. The ride hits 500-meters (1640ft) above sea level and offers clear 360-degree views of Barcelona. It is the perfect panoramic snapshot of the city and a welcome addition to Tibidabo theme park, located in the Collserola hills above the Catalan capital. An estimated 700,000 are expected to visit the Spanish theme park during the 2024 season and further enhanced with MerlĂ.
Aside from its new centrepiece attraction, Tibidabo is focussed on doing its bit for the environment with a variety of sustainable activities. Since 2007, the park has been a member of Barcelona + Sustainable and a focal point to its sustainable development programme is its updated funicular ride which takes visitors up the hills to the park.Â
Called Cuca de Llum, it was inaugurated in June 2021 and this latest version of the Tibidabo funicular has becomes a leading sustainable collective transport project. “With the inauguration of the Cuca de Llum, the new funicular, we are committed to sustainable mobility towards the top of the mountain,” commented a park spokesperson. “The new funicular allows all visitors to climb Tibidabo in just four minutes, becoming the fastest and most sustainable way to reach the mountain.Â
“In addition, it offers a unique experience where you can enjoy the views of the city of Barcelona and the Serra de Collserola while ascending to the top.”
Opening three years ago, the Tibidabo Funicular is expected to reach 900,000 trips in 2024. The funicular has come a long way since it first made its ascent on 3 July, 1901, and soon after its celebrated inauguration at the end of October, 1901.
In general, Tibidabo has three main sustainability aims: Mobility and accessibility, where the use of public transport is promoted as one of the Park’s priorities to reach the top of the mountain for both visitors and workers and supplier companies. The main objective of the new Cuca de Llum funicular is to make access to Tibidabo as sustainable as possible.
Another important environmental issue they tackle is Biodiversity, where the park oversee periodic maintenance of native vegetation carried out within the Park grounds.
Tibidabo also presides over the reduction of waste and control of electricity and water consumption in which the park improves the selective collection of waste as well as the control of water and electricity.
The Barcelona theme park also continues to highlight the importance of education – Tibidabo partners with UNICEF in the defence of children’s rights across the globe and organises solidarity days, working together with Educo, Aprenem Autisme, and Fanoc, as well as hosting educational programming events.
Tibidabo has its new beacon of light with its towering attraction of MerlĂ. But just as important, the park acts as a beacon of hope for the Catalonia region thanks to its commendable sustainability projects.
Images: Tibidabo
