thrillophilia-logo
INR
Login
Ciutadella Park Barcelona Overview

As Barcelona's largest park, the Ciutadella is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Originally opened in 1888, it is home to a historic waterfall, pond, and romantic English garden that is framed by two tree-lined boulevards. As a star fort built in 1715 by Prosper Verboom for King Philip V, it has been there since before the American Revolution.

Ciutadella Park, in the middle of the city, is one of the most beautiful places in Barcelona. There was a time when the Park was the only place in the city where you could see greenery. There are museums, a zoo, a small lake, and a large fountain in the middle of this plaza, which is also home to the Catalonian Parliament. The park is a great place for a stroll, a picnic, or even a row on the lake. Josep Fontsère, the park's designer, was successful in fusing disparate aesthetic traditions into a unified whole.

The large fountain in the park's centre is a tribute to the late, great architect Antoni Gaudi and features many of his signature design elements. Numerous battles and sieges have shaped the park's fascinating history. During the reign of the Bourbon king, it was even used as a prison for Catalan political prisoners. In 1998, the world's best artists displayed their wares at the World Exhibition in the Parc de la Ciutadella.

Must Checkout: Barcelona Trips

Highlights

• The Ciutadella Park is a great place for a casual stroll due to its abundance of greenery and gravel paths. There are over a hundred plant species in the park, including some trees that are hundreds of years old.
• You can find many beautiful gardens, secret playgrounds, and even natural waterfalls just by exploring the area.
• Rental boats allow you to paddle around the picturesque lake at the park's core, Ciutadella Lake. Sit back and observe the various waterfowl and aquatic creatures as they swim by.
• Visit the glass and cast iron pavilion known as "L'Hivernacle" in the winter garden that is situated next to the Castell dels Tres Dragons.
• The park's large umbrellas provide welcome shade, so pack a lunch and enjoy the day by the water or in the park's grassy areas.
• A wide variety of entertainment options, including but not limited to live performances, games, and other amusements, spread out across the park.

How To Reach

By Metro:

Take the line L1 to the Arc de Triomf station if you're taking the subway to the Parc de la Ciutadella. After passing through the Arc de Triomf, proceed straight to the main entrance along the car-free Passeig de Lluís Companys.

By Bus:

Take bus number 10 from the airport's bus terminal to the Mahon Bus Station, and then follow the signs for Ciutadella. Take bus number 01 or 14 to Ciutadella, which are both direct routes from Mahon Bus Station.

Also Read: Places to See in Spain

Best Time To Visit

If you want to enjoy the park at your own pace and avoid the crowds, the best time to go to Ciutadella is in the morning, before 10 a.m. For the fewest crowds, try visiting during the week.

Must Checkout: Spain Tours

Other Essential Information

Tips to Visit Ciutadella Park Barcelona

  • As the best picnic spots in Barcelona's Parc de la Ciutadella quickly fill up despite the park's free admission, it's best to get there as early as possible if you want to secure one.
  • You'll need tickets to take out on the lake, so if that's something you're interested in doing, make sure to get them well in advance.
  • Parc de la Ciutadella Barcelona is a great place to spend a day, but it's best to avoid the park during the busy weekend hours.
  • Since the zoo is the primary reason people come to the park, it's best to get through it as quickly as possible.
  • As long as you bring bags to pick up after your pet, you're welcome to bring them to the park with you.

You can Checkout: Spain Honeymoon Packages

Read More
Day Wise Timings
Open Today
mo
Normal Timings:
10:00 AM to 10:30 PM
tu
Normal Timings:
10:00 AM to 10:30 PM
we
Normal Timings:
10:00 AM to 10:30 PM
th
Normal Timings:
10:00 AM to 10:30 PM
fr
Normal Timings:
10:00 AM to 10:30 PM
sa
Normal Timings:
10:00 AM to 10:30 PM
su
Normal Timings:
10:00 AM to 10:30 PM
Point of Interest for Ciutadella Park Barcelona
Castle of the Three Dragons
1

Castle of the Three Dragons

The Three Dragons Castle is a medieval-style castle located in the Parc de la Ciutadella. The castle was built in 1888 as part of the Universal Exposition by Domènech I Muntaner. The castle is made of stone and has three towers, each with a dragon statue on top. The castle is open to the public and is a popular tourist attraction.

Suggested Read: Top Things to Do in Barcelona

Governor’s Palace
2

Governor’s Palace

The Governor's Palace is a beautiful building that was constructed in the 18th century. It was originally built as a residence for the Spanish governors of Catalonia, but it has since been used as a military barracks and a government office. The palace is now open to the public as a museum, and it houses a collection of paintings and sculptures. The Governor's Palace is a stunning example of Baroque architecture, and it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Barcelona.

Must Read: Things to See in Barcelona

Greenhouse
3

Greenhouse

Designed by Josep Amargós I Samaranch, the Greenhouse in Parc de la Ciutadella is a large glass building surrounded by lush greenery, and inside, there are rows and rows of different plants and flowers. The place is known as the main house of all the flora that is present in the park.

Suggested Read: Activities In Spain

Museu Martorell
4

Museu Martorell

The Museu Martorell is a museum in Parc de la Ciutadella, Barcelona, which is dedicated to the life and work of Catalan painter and sculptor Jaume Martorell (1880-1963). The museum contains a large collection of Martorell's paintings, sculptures, drawings, and personal belongings.

It also has a library with a collection of books about Martorell and his work. It was also the first public museum in the city, and houses the collections of Geology and Palaeontology of the Barcelona Natural Science Museum. 

Must Read: Barcelona Best Museums

Sculptures
5

Sculptures

The Parc de la Ciutadella is home to a number of sculptures, both old and new. Among the most notable are the Four Lions of Barcelona, which were sculpted in the late 19th century and stand at the entrance to the park. Also of note are the many statues of famous Catalans which line the walkways, including Antoni Gaudí, Pablo Picasso, and Joan Miró. In addition to these, there are also a number of modern sculptures scattered throughout the park, adding to its already diverse aesthetic.

Some of the best sculptures also include the statue of General Prim on horseback by Frederic Marès, a marble bust of Lleó Fontoba by Pau Gargallo, and many others. 

Suggested Read: Churches in Barcelona

Tourism Board Alliances

Ciutadella Park Barcelona FAQs

Why Choose Thrillophilia