Barcelona Weekend Break

Parc de la Ciutadella

The 75 acre Parc de la Ciutadella is situated right in the middle of Barcelona city and, aside from containing attractive gardens, fountains and even a lake, also has a zoo as well as being the location of a number of museums and galleries. It is a serious hot spot for any cultural visitor to Barcelona and sits right behind Barcelona’s own Arc de Triomf.

A further building in the Parc de la Ciutadella acts as the home of the regional Catalan government, making this part of the city a major hub in every possible way.

The Parc de la Ciutadella is a great place to escape from the busier parts of the city, or to relax after some serious sightseeing. It has a great many citrus trees and, on a warm day in late summer, the tree’s fruits pervade the atmosphere with a refreshing scent.

The origins of the park date back to a massive star shaped fortress which once stood on the site, but was later demolished for political reasons.

The present day park first started to evolve in the early eighteen seventies and, as time progressed, it expanded and benefited from the addition of museums and its current animal inventory of in excess of 7,000 different creatures.

The main features of the park are

The zoo, holding animals from all over the world.

The Zoological museum, which is housed in a former medieval castle called the Castel del tres Dragons (castle of four dragons).

The baroque style "Cascada", which is a victory arch with surrounding waterfalls and which saw a brief input by Gaudi whilst still studying as a student. The designer Fontsere was the man behind the lake and water features which were added from 1875.

The former “arsenal” of the now demolished Citalel (fortress) which seats the regional parliament.

A chapel, from the actual citadel complex. One of only three original structure still remaining today.

The lake, on which you can hire and row a canoe, a look at and relax as you eat some lunch.

A museum dedicated to natural history.

A number of statues of varying topics including animals.

And the list goes on……

This park is a genuine family attraction offering something of interest to all ages and you are bound to encounter it whilst exploring the city.