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Sign in with GoogleParc de la Ciutadella: Fountain, Zoo & 1888 Expo Landmarks
Explore Parc de la Ciutadella in Barcelona: home to the golden chariot fountain, boating lake, zoo, and historic landmarks from the 1888 Universal Exposition
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About Parc Cuitadella
Parc de la Ciutadella is the second most famous green space in Barcelona city (after Parc Güell and is a great place for a walk, picnic or for rowing on the lake.
Within the grounds of Parc de la Ciutadella, there are several attractions: The waterfall monument with Golden Chariot, Barcelona Zoo, the Catalan Parliament, Three Dragons castle & Greenhouses.
Citadell Fortress to Parc de la Ciutadella Creation
- 1713: During the War of Spanish Succession, Barcelona was besieged for 13 months by King Felipe V’s army.
- 1714: After the city's fall, King Felipe V ordered the construction of a massive citadel fortress to suppress Catalan resistance. Much of the La Ribera district was demolished to make space, displacing thousands of residents. Learn more at the Born Cultural Centre.
- 1717: Hundreds of Catalans were forced to build the fortress, which became the largest in Europe, housing up to 8,000 troops — one soldier for every 13 citizens.
- 1754: The Barceloneta neighborhood was created to rehouse those displaced by the citadel.
- 1841: Barcelona’s city council voted to demolish the fortress, widely hated by locals.
- 1843–1844: Queen Regent Maria Cristina restored the citadel. Her daughter, Isabel II, was declared Queen of Spain.
- 1848: General Espartero bombarded the fortress from Montjuïc Castle, destroying most of its buildings and gaining political favor.
- 1869: General Prim handed the remaining citadel ruins to the city. Demolition continued as the site was seen as a symbol of oppression.
- 1872: Plans were made to transform the site into a public park.
- 1888: Architect Josep Fontseré redesigned the park for the 1888 Universal Exposition, Spain’s first international world fair.
1859 Historic map of Citadel Fortress from Carta Historic showing Citadel fortress with modern day underlay of the city in green.
Image Gallery For Parc Cuitadella, Waterfall Monument & Golden Chariot
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Visiting Parc Cuitadella
Parc de la Ciutadella is open daily from 10:00 am to 10:30 pm and is free to enter. This expansive historic park in Barcelona is ideal for walking, relaxing, or exploring its many monuments and attractions.
Among the highlights is the Cascada Monumental, a dramatic waterfall fountain crowned by the golden chariot sculpture known as the Quadriga de l'Aurora. Designed by Josep Fontseré with contributions from a young Antoni Gaudí, it’s one of the most photographed landmarks in the park. Be sure to walk up the steps on either side of the monument — they lead to a small viewing platform behind the waterfall where you can admire the sculpture of Venus standing on an open clam, designed by Venanci Vallmitjana.
Other must-see attractions include:
- Boating Lake: Rent a paddle boat and enjoy a peaceful ride surrounded by palm trees and ducks. The boat rental station is located at the edge of the lake near the bandstand, easily accessible from the central paths.
Hours: 10:00 am–9:00 pm (March 24–September 22), 10:00 am–6:00 pm (September 23–March 21)
Prices: €6 (2 people), €9 (3 people), €10 (4–5 people), €2/person for groups of 20+ - Barcelona Zoo: Located within the park, this family-friendly attraction is home to over 2,000 animals.
- Catalan Parliament: Housed in the former arsenal of the citadel fortress.
- Three Dragons Castle & Greenhouses: Built for the 1888 Universal Exposition, now home to natural science exhibits.
- Glorieta de la Transsexual Sonia: A bandstand memorial honoring Sonia Rescalvo Zafra, a trans woman murdered in 1991 — a powerful symbol of remembrance and LGBTQ+ rights.
- Mammoth Sculpture: A life-sized cement mammoth by Miquel Dalmau, popular with kids and photographers alike.
- Homenatge a l'Exposició Universal de 1888: A modern sculpture by Antoni Clavé celebrating industrial progress and the legacy of the 1888 World Fair.
Whether you're planning a picnic in Parc de la Ciutadella, a family day at the zoo, or a photo walk to the golden chariot fountain, this park offers something for everyone.
Accessibility & What to Take
Accessibility: Parc de la Ciutadella is a flat, pedestrian-friendly park with gravel paths and no entry restrictions. It is fully accessible for wheelchairs, strollers, and bicycles.
Facilities: Public benches, shaded areas, and bicycle anchorage points are available throughout the park. The waterfall monument includes stairs to a viewing platform, which may be challenging for some visitors.
What to Bring:
- Camera or smartphone: Perfect for capturing the golden chariot fountain and historic sculptures.
- Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated while walking or boating.
- Comfortable shoes: Ideal for exploring the park’s monuments and walking routes.
- Sunscreen and hat: Recommended during warmer months, especially midday.
- Light snacks or picnic: Enjoy lunch in one of the shaded picnic spots or grassy areas.
Parc Cuitadella Summary of Prices
Train/Bus Fare
Entry Ticket
Additional Information
Train/Bus Fare
Entry Ticket
Additional Information
Adult
Zone 1 T-casual
FREE
Child
€ 1.25
FREE
Notes
No Access to interior of monument.
Getting to Parc Cuitadella
Address: Parc de la Ciutadella, S/N, 08003 Barcelona
By Metro: Take the L1 (Red Line) to Arc de Triomf station. The park entrance is a short walk down Passeig de Lluís Companys.
By Train: The Renfe Rodalies commuter network also stops at Arc de Triomf, making it easy to reach from surrounding towns.
By Bus: Several TMB bus lines serve the area, including routes connecting to Barceloneta, El Born, and Eixample.
By Foot: Parc de la Ciutadella is a key stop on this walking route through Ciutadella and La Ribera.
Parking: Saba Bamsa underground parking is located beneath Passeig de Lluís Companys.
Travel Tip: Use a T-Casual card for single trips or a Hola Barcelona Travel Card for unlimited public transport during your stay.
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