The Ciutadella Park is not an ordinary park in Barcelona. It was built during the second half of the nineteenth century and for many years it was the only park in the city. It is the first one of those that exist today which was designed especially as a public park. There you can find endless possibilities to enjoy your day on familiy or friends.

On 1869 there was a destroying of the military citadel which was built by Philip V a century earlier. This demolition was highly significant for a boom of Barcelona and its sights firmly set on the 1888 Universal Exhibition. The result was the Ciutadella Park which was designed by the architect Josep Fontserpè  who adapted to the needs of the world fair.

In the Ciutadella Park, there are large grass areas and wide pathways with many  benches for relaxing and reading. It is also a popular place for walking or cycling. There is a small lake where as well as duck feeding, you can also hire rowing boats. The renting time of a boat is 30 minutes and the price is 6€ for two people, 9€ for three people and 10€ for four or five people. It is open from 10am to dusk. There you can also find a wonderful fountain and waterfall. For the designing of the waterfall, Fontseré was helped by the young  Antoni Gaudí. It was decorated with many sculptural features by Catalan artists from the end of the nineteenth century, and installed after its inauguration.

Throughout the year the park is a host of many outdoor events such as the International Family day in May and an outdoor festival during the Merce in September. This month you can prepare yourself to run away with the circus from the professionals. Attendees at Barcelona’s World Circus Day will watch and learn the art of circus performing from the best through workshops. The event will take place in the 18 April form 11:00 am to 2:00pm in Park Ciutadella. Lindy al Parc is another activity hosted by the park.It is the oldest social activity put on by the association BCNSWING, with the first session dating back to 1998. They meet every first and third Sunday of the month. Everyone is welcome, so just turn up and dance!

The Ciutadella Park is also one of the best spots to take children to within the city of Barcelona. There are three playground areas and the main playground near the lake hosts a free young children’s outdoor Ludoteca. The kind will enjoy all types of toys  putted out for the them to play with and workshops are organised by the monitors at the centre.

On one of the sides of the park you will find tennis tables but there you have to bring your own balls and bat.In the park there are also a couple of kiosks for ice creams or a drink. One of them is just next to the fountain. It is a very good place to stop  not only because of the fountain itself is worth contemplating but sometimes you may also find the bandstand occupied by musicians or dancer. If you want to hire a bike, there is  a rental shop opposite the entrance on Pg.Picasso with Marqués de l’Argentera.

If you are with your family, they are offering family style bikes with 4 or 5 seats. From the park you can also access the Barcelona Zoo. The best way to find it is to go to the park and to follow the signs to the Zoo. It has a wide variety of animals on show and along with a restaurant, picnic area, a shop, electric cars, ponies and a mini-train.

The Ciutadella Park is also a home to several museums and the Catalunia Parliament which is in the former arsenal of the old citadel fortress. The Catalan Parliament stands in the parade ground and nearby you can see a replica of Josep Llimona’s beautiful sculpture “El desconsol” (Distress), which is one of the most important pieces of public art in the park. There are also giant mammoth and a bandstand which are among the other elements that surprise the visitors of this vibrant park, which covers an area of 18 hectares.

You can explore the history of the former military citadel and the 1888 Universal Exhibition, or simply enjoy the surroundings and take part in one of its many cultural events. The Ciutadella Park will never let you down! Enjoy one of  the main reference point of the green areas in Barcelona!