Ciutadella Park – Barcelona

The neighbourhood of Ciutat Vella is home to Ciutadella Park. This 17 hectare park forms a green oasis close to the historical area of Barcelona. After its establishment in the 19th century, this was considered be the only popular green area in the city at the time. It i said that this park was packed with tourists and locals who used this area for fun and quality time with family and children.

The park’s wide range of attractions suits the needs of every individual, from its substantial zoo, a lake, sculptures, a museum and a massive fountain designed by Josep Fontsere. This park is also considered to be quite the optimal area for sports such as cycling, joggging and even boating in the lake. Both bikes and boats are available for rental.

History – The Citadel

After a long 13 month siege in 1714, Barcelona fell to the army of King Phillips during the War of  the Spanish Succession. However, in order to keep direct control over Barcelona, the king built the Citadel, a star shaped fortress known tobe the largest in Europe. A part of the district was demolished to make way for this fortress. Likewise, the neighbourhood was rebuilt after 30 years. Barceloneta is the neighbourhood that now stands there.

Attractions

#1 The Zoo

Some believe that the main attraction of Ciutadella Park is the Zoo. Over 7.500 animals representing four hundred different species can be found in this zoo which occupies about thirteen hectares of the park. Some of the most famous animals of the zoo include gorillas, orangutans, dolphins, cheetahs, wolves, snow leopards, crocodiles and alligators. This was also home to the famous Albino Gorilla Snowflake, which attracted many tourists and locals. Unfortunately, this star attraction passed away in 2003.

Different types of guided tours and other activities are offered in addition to the normal zoo visit. For example, there are over 20 different types of diverse workshops, field trips for children, excursions, personal training, educational courses in zoology for both kids and adults.

#2 The Lake

Many visitors consider the lake to be quite romantic for enjoyable evening walks. This is a great place to visit if you want to be in nature as it is filled with turtles and visible school of fish. Right next to the lake there is a lot of thick vegetation. There is also a somewhat famous tree that stands out from the others due to its significant form and beautiful proliferation of bananas. For instance, if you are looking for an activity to do on the lake, why not rent a boat? They are very affordable starting at a fare of €6 for two people lasting in 30minute increments. An activity that we recommend for adults and children in Barcelona.

Source: www.mikestravelguide.com

#3 The Cascada

At the northern side of the park lies the famous monumental Cascada, designed by Josep Fontseré in 1875 and inaugurated in 1881. The world-renowned Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, collaborated to its conception at the beginning stages of his career. The Trevi fountain in Rome was the inspiration behind the design of the Cascada. On each side, there are two staircases that look like enormous pincers of gigantic crabs, which provide access to a small podium located at the center of the monument. In the same vein, a sculpture (designed by Venanci Vallmitjana) represents the birth of Venus. Furthermore, this monument is decorated with various other sculptures designed by local Catalan artists.

#4 Museums

Managing the new botanical gardens and the Museu Blau at Forum Building, the Natural History Museum of Barcelona, also displays collections at Ciutadella Park, Martorell Museum and in the Laboratory of Nature. You can find the Laboratory of Nature near the Castle of Tres Dragons. The Martorell Museum takes an interesting angle at natural history by housing various amounts of geology and paleontology collections. Additionally, the neoclassical building is where you will find the Martorell Museum. In Barcelona this is quite an unusual find in comparison to the rest of the architecture, for instance.

#5 Statues-Mammoth Sculpture

There are several statues in the park; the one that stand out most is a large Stone Mammoth. Many kids visit this sculpture and climb on its large trunks. Here resides the modern sculpture created by Antoni Clavé, named the ‘Monument to the World Fair’. However, a more conventional statue commemorates General Prim, the one who made the demolition of the Citadel possible.

Source: www.happyinspain.com

Important Information

• Address: Passeig de Picasso 21, 080033 Barcelona, Spain
• Phone number: +34 807 11 77 00
• Transport: Barcelona Metro and Trambesos station Ciutadella-Vila Olimpica (L4). The entrance to the park is ideal as its close to the metro and Rodalies station in Barcelona. Station Arc de Triomf (L1)
• Prices: FREE
• Schedules: Open every day. From January 1st to February 28th: 10am – 6pm. March 1st to 31st: 10am – 7pm. April 1st to 30th: 10am – 8pm. May 1st to September 30th: 10am – 9 pm. October 1st to December 31st: 10am – 7pm.

Are you planning a trip to Barcelona and looking for somewhere to stay? In addition, why not take a look at the available apartment rentals on our website! Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.