Parc de la Ciutadella (PARC CLOSED), Barcelona

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There are two museums in the Citadel Park. Both Geology and Zoology Museums merged, forming the current Museum of Natural Science in 2000. The Zoology Museum is housed in the building popularly known as the Three Dragons Castle. It was designed by Domènech i Montaner, who built it as a café-restaurant for the Universal Exhibition 1888. It was constructed on Catalan Gothic and Mudejar architecture, with red bricks, adding decorative elements from Germanic and Almohade architecture. On the other hand, the Geology Museum is a neoclassical building, designed by the architect Rovira i Trias. It was the first building in Barcelona constructed specifically as a museum. It was inaugurated in 1882.

Hay dos museos en el Parque de la Ciudadela. Ambos museos, de Geología y Zoología, se unieron en 2000 parformar el actual Museo de Ciencias Naturales. El Museo de Zoología está alojado en el edificio conocido popularmente como Castillo de los Tres Dragones. Fue diseñado por Domènech i Montaner, que lo construyó como un restaurante para la Exposición Universal de 1888. Fue construido en gótico catalán y arquitectura mudejar, con ladrillos rojos, añadiendo elementos decorativos de la arquitectura germánica y almohade. Por otro lado, el Museo de Geología es un edificio neoclásico, diseñado por Rovira i Trias. Fue el primer edificio de Barcelona construido específicamente como un museo. Fue inaugurado en 1882.

Visiting hours / Horario de visita

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays / Martes, miércoles, viernes y domingos: 10:00 - 14:30
Thursdays and Saturdays / Jueves y sábados: 10:00 - 18:30

Parc de la Ciutadella has a rather ominous history - conceived as a way to refortify Barcelona whilst punishing its denizens, an entire neighborhood was demolished to make way for the military site, and the Catalans were relocated to slum housing in the hastily constructed Barceloneta neighborhood.

Well, now....

Leaving THAT aside, the Park is now one of the crown jewels of the city. The Catalan Parliament is headquartered in the far side of the Park, just alongside the zoo(sometimes a fitting analogy), while a stroll through the other end reveals glens, stately promenades, a duck pond with rowboats, ping pong tables, a natural history museum, and one of Gaudi's earliest works - a regal, gold-plated fountain. However, what is best about Parc de la Ciutadella, is that this is arguably THE city park of Barcelona. It's where young couples lounge in the grass, nannies push the prams, and locals take each other on in vicious games of table tennis. Whereas Parc Guell is overrun with tourists and has a rather disney-like atmosphere, Citadel Park is a true crossroads of the city, and a jewel that is often overlooked the the casual tourist. It's quite magical.

The building was constructed in 1888 for an International Exhibition. The architect of building was famous Domenech I Montaner. Place looks like a castle from outside. Actually it was projected looking to example of Valencia’s gothic style.

Here is museum of Zoology from 1937. Some time ago place was famous as a school of modernism art.

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The central point of Citadel park is Cascades fountain, projected as a good example of a famous Trevi fountain in Rome. This one was built for International Exhibition of 1888 by Josep Fontsere with a help of still young architect Antoni Gaudi.

The area around Cascades fountain is very famous locals’ place. A few times we went here there was a picnic of scouts, and later – tango lessons. Citadel park is a nice place on a way to Barcelona beach for late evening.

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Catalan parliament is located in beautiful Citadel park, actually with Cascades fountain it forms central places of park. Parliament, firstly was used as military arsenal, was modeled by Prospero de Verboom and built in 1716 – 1748. Some time till 1932 it was used as art museum, later – as Parliament. Only in 1980 it got full rights to make Parliament sessions here.

Existence of institution of Catalan Parliament shows that there is autonomy of this Catalonia region. I don’t know statistics, but I think that people here feel quite different from Spanish and would like to get independence.

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Citadel chapel is also could be called as military church. It was built in former citadel site, at the first half of 17th century. Building was designed by George Prosper Van Verboom. That time citadel was the biggest in Europe, and this church served religious needs of soldiers.

The chapel here is one of rare examples of baroque style in Barcelona, and it is not even South style, but north one, mostly met in Scandinavia.

The Citadel Park is Barcelona's most central park and was built in the 1860s on the site of a former military fortress. The park includes several museums, the city’s zoo and a small lake surrounded by grass verges. The Catalan Parliament is seated at a building in the center of the park.

October to March.
Sunday to Saturday: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
April to September.
Sunday to Saturday: 8:00 am to 9:00 pm

September 2005

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It's well worth hopping off the tourist bus for a walk around this park. For those on a budget -- it's free, and there are some beautiful fountains - in particular cascada whose deisgn is based on the trevi fountain in Rome. It's designer was assisted by Gaudi who was at the time of building a student.

This park is also home to the city zoo and some museums.