On hot summer days, walking around the city quickly tires you out. In addition to the popular natural destination and park of Montjuïc, you can visit the large city park right in the city centre and relax.
In addition, there are plenty of attractions and entertainment options.
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The name of the park refers to the site's past, where a vast military citadel stood on 30 hectares to provide security for the port and the city. At the end of the 19th century, the entire citadel was demolished, mainly at the instigation of the local population, who saw the building as a symbol of the oppression of the authorities, and a large urban park was built on the site.
The beautiful park offers relaxation in the shade of mature avenues, orange trees and many water bodies.
At the small lake in the middle of the park you can rent a boat for 30 minutes for 7 eur. You can pay with cash or card.
Cascada Fountain and Parliament
One of the landmarks of the park is the beautiful and huge Cascada Fountain at its northern edge. The stone fountain, dating from 1881, boasts a beautiful gateway atop which glitters the golden statue of Quadriga de l'Aurora. The fountain was designed by Anotnio Gaudí, but it is not built in as non-conformist a style as his other buildings.
The middle part of the park is occupied by the current Catalan Parliament building.
On the west side of the park, you can visit several greenhouses for free, which are part of the Museum of Natural Sciences.
Zoo
The southern part of the park is occupied by Barcelona's main zoo, which is rather disappointing in size.
The local zoo is one of the smallest zoos in a similarly sized city, but it is beautifully landscaped and offers interesting activities.
Tickets for an adult cost around 22 eur, children pay 13 eur, for more information visit the zoo's official website: zoobarcelona.cat.
Castle of the Three Dragons
In the northwestern corner of the park stands the famous modernist building by architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner from 1888 called Castell dels tres Dragons, which was built as a capacity restaurant for the 1888 Barcelona Expo.
Today this building houses the Museum of Natural Sciences.
Location and transport
Parc de la Ciutadella is located in the centre of Barcelona, between the Barri Gotic and Barceloneta beach. Both places are within a 15-minute walk, but you can also use public transport:
- Metro - Ciutadella Vila Olímpica station approx. 350 metres, line L4 or Arc de Triomf approx. 300 metres, line L1
- Bus - stop Pg Pujades - Parc de la Ciutadella - lines B20, B25, H14, H16 or stop Parc de la Ciutadella - Princesa - lines H14, V19
- Train - Estacio de Franca station about 350 metres, lines R2, R13, R14, R15, R16, R17
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