The Ciutadella Park is located in the old part of Barcelona and is very popular among both local residents and visiting guests. The park has a large green area with paths and alleys, a monumental waterfall, a lake, historical buildings and museums, many sculptures and a large zoo. The Citadel Park stretches over thirty hectares, where more than a hundred species of plants and trees grow. Of these, the zoo occupies 13 hectares. The history of the park begins in the 18th century, when, by order of Philip, a fortress was built here to suppress the resistance of the freedom-loving people.
At the beginning of the century, King Charles II, prone to illness, died in Spain, the last representative of the Habsburg dynasty, who did not leave a direct heir, although he bequeathed the throne to Philip, his grandson King Louis XIV of France. After his death, a long-term war for the Spanish succession began between the ruling dynasties of Europe. In the end, Philip still became king of Spain, but lost the right to claim the throne of France. In this war, Barcelona supported another candidate for the throne, and the latter surrendered in 1714 after several months of siege. Immediately after the fall of the city, the new king of Spain built a military citadel in the city on the site of a residential area, for which 1,262 houses were demolished. The pentagonal citadel could accommodate 8,000 people and played an important military role in the governance of Barcelona. The fortress daily reminded the Barcelona people of their defeat. It was partially demolished in 1848 and finally in 1869. It was then that it was decided to build a public park here.
Some of the buildings of the citadel have survived to this day. In particular, the former chapel became the church (Castrense de la Ciutadella),
In the Governor's Palace a Catalan public school-institute is now open:
Arsenal building - seat of the Parliament of Catalonia:
The arsenal dates back to 1720. In the foreground is the famous statue "Despair".
In the park, in the northern part, next to the lake, a beautiful arched cascading fountain undoubtedly stands out. It is decorated with a statue of Venus, which is guarded by four griffins standing below. At the very top, Aurora, the goddess of the dawn, controls the chariot.
The next attraction is "Tower of the Three Dragons". It is built of brick and iron, and the upper facade is decorated with ceramic tiles with images of plants, animals and people. Currently, it houses a zoological museum.
Another attraction is the Arc de Triomphe, built in front of the World Exhibition as the entrance to this solemn event. On the red brick building you can see sculptural compositions, as well as the coats of arms of Spain and its provinces.
There are many statues in the park, but the one that is especially popular among visitors is "Woman with an Umbrella":
and "Mammoth":
Geology lovers will be interested in the Geological Museum, also known as the Martorell Museum (Museu Martorell), existing since 1882:
The park also has a greenhouse:
It is necessary to mention the zoo:
There are more than 300 species of animals and more than 400 species of trees, shrubs and flowers.
The zoo is open every day from 10:00. Closing times vary depending on the season.
Ticket prices:
- for adults - 21.40 euros;
- for children 3-12 years old - 12.95 euros;
- up to 3 years - free;
- for people over 65 years old - 10.50 euros.
For more information, visit the official website of the Barcelona Zoo: http: //www.zoobarcelona.cat.
Citadel Park is open every day from 10:00. Closing times also vary depending on the season.
Admission to the Citadel Park is free.
Address of the Citadel Park: Passeig de Picasso, 21.
To get to the Citadel Park, use:
- yellow L4 metro line, stop Ciutadella Vila Olímpica or Jaume I, and then you will have to walk 200-300 meters; red L1 line, stop Arc de Triomf;
- bus No. H14, H16, V19, B20, B25, N11.
For more information on tickets and transport, see the article Barcelona public transport.
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