Parc de la Ciutadella is a 19th century park located at the heart of Barcelona that is known as the city's “green lung”. Composed of a small lake, large areas of greenery and plenty of surprises and little gems along the way, it is the perfect place to spend some time and take a breather from running between tourist attractions. If you have found a vacation rental in Barcelona, be sure to pencil in some time relaxing in this lovely park.
In 1869, the military citadel at the heart of the city was demolished and a park was planned as Barcelona made a bid to host the 1888 Universal Exhibition. Designed by architect Josep Fontseré to fit the needs of the world fair, it is still littered with reminders of this times, such as the Castell dels Tres Dragons, home to the original restaurant designed for the exhibition by Domènech i Montaner, the waterfall and lake that were designed by Fontseré, the beautiful plant house, and the glass house. The park is also home to Barcelona's Zoo, which was established in 1892.
In 1869, the military citadel at the heart of the city was demolished and a park was planned as Barcelona made a bid to host the 1888 Universal Exhibition. Designed by architect Josep Fontseré to fit the needs of the world fair, it is still littered with reminders of this times, such as the Castell dels Tres Dragons, home to the original restaurant designed for the exhibition by Domènech i Montaner, the waterfall and lake that were designed by Fontseré, the beautiful plant house, and the glass house. The park is also home to Barcelona's Zoo, which was established in 1892.
Wandering the grounds and these old and beautiful buildings is a delight in of itself but there are plenty of other activities to enjoy in the park, as well.
You can go boating on the lake, you can head to the zoo and check out the over 7,000 animals and 400 different species that live there, you can have a picnic on the lawns, you can take a guided tour of the Parlament de Catalunya on the first Friday of the month, you can visit the Zoological Museum in the Castell dels Tres Dragons, you can go to the summer café and attend jazz concerts in the glass house and you can explore the tropical greenhouse of the Umbracle.
You can go boating on the lake, you can head to the zoo and check out the over 7,000 animals and 400 different species that live there, you can have a picnic on the lawns, you can take a guided tour of the Parlament de Catalunya on the first Friday of the month, you can visit the Zoological Museum in the Castell dels Tres Dragons, you can go to the summer café and attend jazz concerts in the glass house and you can explore the tropical greenhouse of the Umbracle.
A perfect place to escape the noise and chaos of the city before diving back in to explore it all, it is a must for anyone who is planning to explore this beautiful city in Spain. Check out all of our vacation rentals in Spain with internet now!
Photo credits
picture 1: Bernard Gagnon / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: Javi Guerra Hernando / CC BY-SA 4.0;
picture 3: SACE / CC BY 1.0
picture 1: Bernard Gagnon / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: Javi Guerra Hernando / CC BY-SA 4.0;
picture 3: SACE / CC BY 1.0