Barcelona is easily one of the greatest cities in Europe. Although we’re a bit biased, we promise that it really is as incredible as it looks and seems. Part of what we love so much about the city is its versatility. With a population of 5.5 million people, Barcelona is a big metropolitan city, but it is not a concrete jungle. Located on the crystal blue Mediterranean sea and surrounded by the Catalan Coastal mountain ranges, the metropolis is geographically blessed.
As a big city, with sea-side beaches and mountains, Barcelona has something to offer everyone in every season. The hills and coast provide the perfect getaway to those in search of a bit of nature. But, even in the heart of the city, there are still areas to escape the crowds, commotion, and chaos that define big city life. The Parc de la Ciutadella, located in the neighborhood of Ciutat Vella, is one of our favorite places to relax and escape the bustling city that we love so much. This gorgeous park, which is home to the Catalonian Parliament and Barcelona zoo, is the perfect place to bring your children for an afternoon of fun.
A little bit of History
Parc de la Ciutadella, or Citadel Park in English, has a fascinating history. The name of the park comes from the military fortress it replaced. The Citadel of Barcelona was constructed in 1714 after the Siege of Barcelona during the War of Spanish Succession. During the War, Barcelona fell to the forces of the Archduke Charles of Austria, who quickly gained the support of the population. In response to the loss of power, King Phillip V of Spain laid siege in Barcelona for thirteen months until the city fell in 1714. After regaining control, Phillip V constructed the citadel of Barcelona to control the city and punish Catalans, who rebelled against the crown.
To create the fortress, Phillip V abused Barcelona and its citizens. He used forced Catalan labor for construction, destroyed the majority of the La Ribera district, leaving its inhabitants homeless, and imposed a new tax on citizens to finance the project and warfare expenses. In 1872, The Citadel was transformed into a park designed by Josep Fontsére. The defeat in the siege and the subsequent creation of the citadel was pivotal in Catalonian history. It represented the end of the region’s political independence and the loss of its laws and institutions. The fortress itself served as a constant reminder of this defeat and as a symbol of the central Spanish government’s power to many Catalans. Each year, on September 11th, Catalans commemorate this defeat with the National Day of Catalunya.
Ciutadella Park
A family could easily spend an entire day wandering around the picturesque Cuitadella Park. While it may not be your first stop in the city, it is undoubtedly a must-see. The park is the perfect place for a family outing because there is so much to see and do. The park is relaxing, beautiful, and definitively one of the best spots to take photos in the city, but it also so much more than that. At Ciutadella Park, you will encounter history, architecture, and attractions that will occupy and entertain individuals of any age.
A Place to Relax
As you pass under the Arc de Triomf and head towards the park’s entrance, you can begin to hear the chirping of birds. Upon entering the beautiful green space, you will encounter a gorgeous fountain, lake, and gardens. The area is very green, bright, and surrounded by trees and flowers, which makes it a great afternoon escape. The gorgeous scenery makes the park the ideal place for a relaxing walk or picnic. Plus, there are well-paved walking paths, so you can easily push a stroller. Also, at the lake, you can watch the ducks with the kids, or even rent a small paddle boat.
Monuments
The fountain in the park is particularly spectacular and makes the perfect background for a family photo, which will be the best souvenir for your adventure. The Cascada, which is Spanish for ‘waterfall,’ is a dramatic fountain, unlike anything you would encounter in a typical park or a younger country like the United States. The two-level monument is adorned with large statues and equipped with two sets of stairs and podium. When Josep Fontsére designed the fountain, with the help of architectural student Antoni Gaudi, he tried to create something to resemble the Trevi Fountain in Rome. With its gold detailing and grandness, the fountain is the highlight of the park and resembles stereotypical European architectural beauty.
Right behind the Cascade, you’ll find a snack kiosk and the statue of a Woolly Mammoth. While this statue is certainly less grand than the fountain, it is also more popular with children. The large, supposedly life-sized creation is another great spot to stop for a photo. Many visitors hop up on to the trunk of the statue to pose for a shot.
Parliament and the Zoo
After seeing the fountain and mammoth or enjoying some time relaxing, those interested in architecture or history should check out the Catalan Parliament or the Castle of the Three Dragons, which is a unique modernisme building constructed in 1888. From there, head over to the zoo. The kids will love the zoo’s primate house and terrarium, as well as the “Land of Dragons” which hosts Komodo Dragons and “Aquarama” which has dolphin shows.
More Information
Ready to visit Parc de Cuitadella with your family? We are too! Here’s some more important information:
The Park:
Address: Passeig de Picasso, 21, 08003 Barcelona
Hours: 10am-10:30pm daily
Price: Free!
The Zoo:
Address: Parc de la Ciutadella, 08003 Barcelona
Hours: 10am-5:30pm daily
Buy your tickets through our website!
Prices:
- Adults: 20.5 €
- Children (3-12): 12.0 €
- Under 3: Free!
What’s next?
Ready to explore more of Barcelona? Head over to el Museu de la Xocolata, which is just a three-minute walk away from the park!
