Ciutadella Park

The Parc de la Ciutadella is one of the main public parks in Barcelona and a place rich in history, natural beauty, and monumental architecture. Located in the Ciutat Vella district, this urban park is built on the grounds of the ancient military citadel constructed in the 18th century by Philip V after the War of the Spanish Succession. The citadel, originally conceived as a means of control over the city, eventually became a symbol of repression, leading to its demolition in 1869 after the revolution that brought General Prim to power. The transformation of the area into a public park was entrusted to Josep Fontserè, who began the work in 1872. Fontserè envisioned the park as a large European-style green space, inspired by the Luxembourg Gardens in Paris. The project included lakes, tree-lined walks, a monumental waterfall, and several ornamental buildings. One of the most iconic elements of the park is the Monumental Waterfall, completed in 1881, in which a young Antoni Gaudí also participated, overseeing the hydraulic system and some decorative details. The Parc de la Ciutadella was officially inaugurated in 1881 and became one of Barcelona’s main public spaces, hosting the Universal Exposition of 1888. For the event, numerous pavilions and structures were built, including the Arc de Triomf, which served as the monumental entrance to the exhibition. The Universal Exposition represented a moment of great transformation for the city, helping to solidify its modern and cosmopolitan identity. Within the park are several historic buildings, such as the former arsenal, now home to the Parliament of Catalonia, and the Umbracle building, used to house tropical and subtropical plants. The park also houses the Barcelona Museum of Natural Sciences, located in two distinct buildings: the Castle of the Three Dragons, built for the Universal Exposition, and the Martorell Museum, the city’s oldest public museum. The Parc de la Ciutadella is also famous for its rich collection of sculptures and public artworks. Among the most notable works is “Desconsol” by Josep Llimona, a sculpture representing a female figure in a deep state of sadness. Another significant work is the monument to Prim, erected in honor of the general who ordered the demolition of the citadel. The variety of sculptures in the park makes it a kind of open-air museum, where art and nature blend harmoniously. The park is also home to the Barcelona Zoo, one of the oldest in Europe, inaugurated in 1892. The zoo is famous for hosting Snowflake, the only known albino gorilla, who became a true icon of the city. Today, the zoo continues to play an important role in species conservation and environmental education. The flora of the Parc de la Ciutadella is equally diverse, with a wide range of botanical species creating a green and relaxing environment. The monumental trees, flower gardens, and vast green areas offer a refuge from urban hustle and bustle, attracting numerous visitors looking for a place to stroll, exercise, or simply relax outdoors.