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Park · Barcelona, Catalunha
Parc de la Ciutadella
Park created on the site of the former military citadel, venue of the 1888 Universal Exposition. It has a lake with rowboats, the monumental Cascada fountain, the Parliament of Catalonia and the zoo. The Arc de Triomf stands at the entrance.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Parc de la Ciutadella
After taking Barcelona in 1714 during the War of the Spanish Succession, Philip V ordered a citadel to be built there in the shape of a five-pointed star, then the largest fortress in Europe. To make room, much of the Ribera neighbourhood was demolished. The fortress was hated by the city and was handed over to Barcelona in 1869 by decision of General Prim.
Surviving were the chapel, the governor's palace and the arsenal, which today houses the Parliament of Catalonia. The remainder was turned into a park from 1872, designed by Josep Fontserè. In 1888 the park hosted the Universal Exposition and gained sculptures and new buildings. The Cascada, a monumental fountain topped by a gilded carriage, is by Fontserè, possibly with the young Antoni Gaudí's participation.
It covers 31 hectares with a lake for rowboats, tree-lined avenues, the city zoo and museums. It is Barcelona's most central park and fills up at weekends with picnics, musicians and families.
The main entrance to the 1888 Exposition was the Arc de Triomf, in exposed brick, designed by Josep Vilaseca. Unlike military arches, its reliefs celebrate the progress of the arts, science and the economy. From it runs the Passeig de Lluís Companys, a 50-metre-wide avenue with wrought-iron lamp posts that descends to the park.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
An hour is enough to go from the Arc de Triomf to the Cascada and walk around the lake. With a boat ride and a rest stop, allow 2 hours.
Best time
At weekends the park is livelier. From November to February it gets dark early, around 5:30 p.m.
How to get there
From the Arc de Triomf (Arc de Triomf station, metro line L1 and suburban trains), walk down the Passeig de Lluís Companys to the park gate. On the other side, Ciutadella-Vila Olímpica station (L4) is next to the zoo. From El Born the walk takes 5 to 10 minutes.
Tip
Combine this with El Born and Santa Maria del Mar, which are next door, or walk on to Barceloneta. The zoo and the lake boat rides are charged separately.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Parc de la Ciutadella
What was the Parc de la Ciutadella before it was a park?
A military citadel built by Filipe V after 1714 to control Barcelona. The fortress was handed over to the city in 1869, and the park began to be laid out in 1872.
Did Gaudí work on the Cascada da Ciutadella?
The fountain was by Josep Fontserè, and the young Antoni Gaudí may have collaborated on the design.
Is the Arc de Triomf inside the park?
No — it's at the start of the Passeig de Lluís Companys, a few minutes' walk from the gate. It was the main entrance to the 1888 Universal Exposition.
What's in the park?
A lake with rowboats, the Cascada, the Parliament of Catalonia, the city zoo and museums, across 31 hectares.