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Guide: visiting the Ciutadella Park

Ciutadella Park is a green space covering over 17,000 square meters in the heart of Barcelona. In addition to being a great spot for picnics, boat rides, or simply spending a relaxing afternoon, it also houses numerous monuments, sculptures, and other features that reflect the city’s history.

History of the park

Parque de la ciudadela Barcelona

The origins of Ciutadella Park are quite different from what we know of it today. In 1715, King Felipe V ordered the construction of a military citadel to control Barcelona from the Ribera district. This construction led to the demolition of over 1,000 houses at the time. Years later, in 1869, General Prim returned the citadel to the city of Barcelona, with the condition that the site be transformed into a public park.

Thus, in 1872, the park began to take the form we recognise today, with green spaces, characteristic architectural elements, and its impressive waterfall. In 1888, the park was selected to host several events of the International Exposition held in Barcelona to celebrate advancements in engineering and culture. It was during this period that new spaces, now iconic to the park, were created. For example, the Castle of the Three Dragons, which is a clear example of Catalan modernism.

Monuments of Ciutadella Park

Ciutadella Park is filled with art and monuments that are deeply connected to the history of Catalonia.

The monumental waterfall

This is undoubtedly the most famous feature of Ciutadella Park. Designed by Josep Fontsère in 1881 with the help of Antoni Gaudí, the waterfall is in a neoclassical style, with some modernist elements.

The waterfall depicts the birth of Venus, surrounded by various sculptures of mythological figures and animals. If you take the time to climb the stairs, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire park.

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The stone mammoth

This impressive sculpture is one of the most iconic features of Ciutadella Park. It is a life-sized representation of a mammoth. Originally, the sculpture was meant to be part of a larger project that would include 12 other sculptures of prehistoric animals. Although the full project was never completed, the mammoth sculpture itself was finished in 1987.

The lady with the umbrella

“The lady with the umbrella” is a sculpture of a woman holding an umbrella above a fountain. Designed in 1884 by Joan Roig i Solé, it was intended to provoke thought among visitors about the relationship between art and nature. This sculpture is located inside the zoo, creating a striking contrast with the surrounding wildlife.

What to do in Ciutadella Park

The Castle of the Three Dragons

This building, constructed for the 1888 Universal Exposition, is a striking example of Catalan Modernism. Originally built in honour of one of the most prominent figures of Modernism, Lluís Domènech i Montaner, it was initially a restaurant. Today, it houses the Museum of Natural Sciences of Barcelona, which contains over 4 million specimens. In addition to admiring exhibits on paleontology and marine biology, the museum also offers activities aimed at raising awareness about the importance of environmental conservation.

Castell dels Tres Dragons Barcelona

Barcelona zoo

The Barcelona Zoo, inaugurated in 1966, is located in the rear section of the Citadel Park. With over 2,000 animals from various species, the zoo was designed with the aim of recreating their natural habitats. In addition to observing the diverse range of animals, visitors can engage in activities that educate on animal welfare, the preservation of endangered species, and the importance of environmental protection.

The ciutadella greenhouse

The ciutadella greenhouse is a striking iron and glass structure filled with tropical plants. Built in 1888 for the Universal Exposition, many of these plants are rare to the country, but thanks to the natural light that filters through the glass and the expertise of the staff, these plants thrive. Educational guided tours are offered for nature and botany enthusiasts.

The park lake

The lake in the Ciutadella Park is one of the most popular attractions. Visitors can rent a boat and enjoy a relaxing row on the water. Besides being an aesthetic feature, the lake contributes to the park’s biodiversity, hosting over 100 species of birds and aquatic plants. Visitors can stroll along the paths surrounding the lake, have picnics, read a book, or sunbathe on the grass.

Lago parque de la ciutadella Barcelona

The Parliament of Catalonia

This building was originally constructed in the 18th century as an arsenal for the citadel. It wasn’t until 1869, when the citadel was ceded to the city, that it became the Parliament of Catalonia, serving as the seat of the Catalan government. Today, visitors can tour the building to learn more about the workings of the government and the history of Catalonia.

The Ciutat Vella district

The Ciutadella Park is located in the Ribera and El Born neighbourhoods, surrounded by several important landmarks such as the Estació de França (France Station), the Arc de Triomf, and the Villa Olímpica.

Ribera and El Born are neighbourhoods rich in gothic architecture and have a bohemian, artistic atmosphere. They are also close to popular tourist attractions such as the Picasso Museum and the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar.

These areas are part of Ciutat Vella (the Old City), one of the most historically significant and tourist-packed districts in Barcelona. It is the perfect place to explore the city, with all the major points of interest within easy reach.

Choosing to live in Ciutat Vella can be a great option. It is a charming area with a constant flow of activities and new places to discover.

Plan your visit

The park is located in the Ribera neighbourhood, in the Old Town of Barcelona. Specifically, it lies between the Arc de Triomf and the beaches of Barcelona.

You can take the metro to the Arc de Triomf station on Line 1, then walk for about 5 minutes. If you’d like to start your visit at the zoo, take the Line 4 to Ciutadella-Villa Olímpica station and walk for 3 minutes.

The opening hours vary depending on the season: from November 1 to March 31, the park is open from 10:00 to 19:00. For the rest of the year, the park is open from 10:00 to 21:00.

Yes, access to the park is completely free.

Boat rental prices range from €7 to €11, depending on the day and time. If you are part of a group of more than 20 people, the price is €2 per person.

Zoo entrance fees vary depending on age and ticket type, ranging from €4 to €20. Children under 2 and those with a “tarjeta rosa” (local resident card) can enter for free.

Yes, you can bring food into the park. However, make sure to check the specific rules for certain areas, such as the zoo, before entering with food.

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