What To See In Parc De La Ciutadella
VISITING THE CIUTADELLA PARK – THE LARGEST IN BARCELONA
The Ciutadella Park gets its name from the old citadel (fortress) that occupied the real state after the city was defeated by the Bourbons in 1714. Over 4,500 people living in the area were given just a few weeks to pack up and leave (and of course, no compensation of any kind), so a giant fortress could be built to control the city and prevent future uprisings: its canons were always pointing to the city, not outwards to protect it from enemies coming.
Here are the best things to do in Ciudadela park:
1
Mammoth Statue
Not far from the Cascada, in a path that leaves from the right of it towards the Parliament and around a lake, you’ll find a surprising real-size concrete sculpture of a mammoth, over 11 feet tall (3.5 meters). Kids and adults as well love to take their pictures next to it, touching its imposing snout. After the success of the 1888 World fair, naturalist Norbert Font i Sagué convinced the local Natural Sciences Board to create a collection of real-size sculptures of prehistorical animals.
2
Cascada Monumental (Waterfall fountain)
Build by the architect Josep Fontserè in 1878, in preparation of the upcoming World Fair of 1888, it could also be (partly) considered a Gaudi fountain, since it is said that the master participated in its design when he was still a very young apprentice.
Some say he was in charge of certain rocks and iron masts, while rumors say his boss wasn’t able to figure out how to pump up the water to the top of the fountain and Gaudi found the solution, what impressed his teachers so much they let him pass the Engineering course without even needing an example. Like Italian say, se non è vero è ben trobato (if it’s not true, it’s a good story). The Waterfall is decorated with real gold and sculptures that represent the Birth of Venus out of a giant shell.
3
Castell dels Tres Dragons
This Castle of the Three Dragons was an early work of the architect Domènech i Muntaner, and it is considered one of the first modernist buildings in Barcelona. It was build to be the restaurant of the 1888 World Fair. What many people ignore is that Domènech i Muntaner didn’t really completed the works, as due to some disputes he left the project and was substituted by Josep Forteza and when the fair was over, the Barcelona mayor asked him to go back and turn the building into a History Museum.
That’s when the coats of arms crowning the building were added. They now display animals and plants (and also local drinks and liquors!) what reminds us that between 1920 and 2010 it housed the Zoology Museum before its contents where transferred to the new Museu Blau in the Forum area. It is presently closed for restoration works, waiting for it to be assigned a new use. It the meantime, it makes a great background for pictures.
4
Catalan Parliament
The military engineer Prosper de Verboom (hated for having designed the city siege in 1714) was in charge of building the armory of the Citadel two years after the defeat, and the works lasted until 1748 – not strange seeing how imposing the building looks with its wide spaces shaped as a cross and its dome crowning the ensemble.
It was used as an Art Museum for several decades (when it was decorated with lots of sculptures of portraits of Catalan artists) and eventually in 1932 it became the seat of the Catalan Parliament. Unfortunately not for long: the Spanish Civil War followed by the repressive dictatorship of Franco banned all Catalan institutions.
It wouldn’t be until the restoration of democracy that the Catalan Parliament would come back to the Parc de la Ciutadella. It is open to the public but visits must be booked in advance from their website.
5
Greenhouses
One of the goals of the 1888 World Fair was showing people plants and trees from all over the world. With this in mind were build two greenhouses: the Ombracle (shadow greenhouse, made of wood to provide a well ventilated but shady atmosphere) and the Hivernacle (warm greenhouse, made of glass to let the light in but keep the temperature warm).
While the Hivernacle is closed for restoration, the Ombracle is usually open and it makes a really nice spot to hide away from the heat in the summer, as well as get away from the crowds for a while. Relax seating in a bench surrounded by rain forest palm trees, alocasias and monstera deliciosa.
By the way, if you are into botanics, you’ll be delighted to know that the whole Ciutadella park is a botanical garden featuring a wonderful variety of trees – learn more about them with our Parks and Gardens tour.
AND BONUS! Which activity will your kids enjoy the most at the Parc de la Ciutadella?
6
Barcelona Zoo
Plus a farm area where kids can touch real farm animals or ride a pony. And don’t forget the dolphins! The Dolphinarium doesn’t offer shows anymore but you can access it any time except lunch break from 2PM to 3PM and see how their caregivers train and feed them. Avoid the long zoo lines by getting tickets in advance here.
Oh, and I almost forgot about the joke I promised! Did you know that Catalans really know how to put things in their right place? That’s why we keep animals and politicians together (being the Zoo and the Parliament side by side). LOL
Will you be visiting the Ciutadella Park during your stay?
Marta
Marta is the founder of ForeverBarcelona. She is a passionate tour guide that loves Barcelona and loves writing too. She is the main author of our Blog, and is committed to sharing her knowledge about Barcelona and her best tips with our readers.
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