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Sign in with GoogleCastell dels Tres Dragons & Greenhouses – Ciutadella Park Barcelona
Explore the Three Dragons Castle and refurbished Hivernacle greenhouse in Ciutadella Park. Historic architecture, photo spots, and link to the new science museum
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About the Three Dragons Castle & Greenhouses
When you visit Parc de la Ciutadella, you won’t miss the striking red-brick castle in the corner of the park. This is the Three Dragons Castle (Castell dels Tres Dragons), originally designed to house the main restaurant of the trade fair during the Universal Exhibition of 1888. The name “Three Dragons Castle” was likely inspired by the 1865 play by Serafí Pitarra.
Three Dragons Castle History
- 1887–1888: Built as a café-restaurant for a hotel complex (now demolished) by the famous modernist architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner.
- 1888–: After the exhibition, the building was repurposed as an industrial arts workshop related to architecture.
- 1917: Transferred to the Museo Martorell de Arqueología y Ciencias Naturales, which opened a natural sciences museum in Barcelona.
- 1920: Refurbished to house the Museum of Zoology.
- 1936–1939: Closed during the Spanish Civil War. The building was damaged by Francoist aerial bombing.
- 2010: The Three Dragons Castle closed, and the Natural Sciences Museum relocated to a new building in the Forum area.
Hivernacle del Parc de la Ciutadella
- 1883–1887: Built as a large greenhouse designed by Josep Amargós i Samaranch for the 1888 Universal Exhibition. It features a large iron structure with glass walls and three naves, with the main access via the central nave, which is open on two sides. Both inside and outside, you can see the coat of arms of the city of Barcelona.
- 1888: Originally intended for tropical plants, the Hivernacle was used during the exhibition as a party and conference venue. It later functioned as a restaurant.
- 2006: Ceased to be used as part of the Natural Sciences Museum, which moved to the Forum.
- July 2022: Rehabilitation works were scheduled to begin, lasting approximately 12 months. Although not yet complete, the exterior of this modernist building can be admired in Parc de la Ciutadella.
Museu Martorell Building & Jardins Fontserè i Mestre
- 1878: Collector, trader, archaeologist, and scholar Francesc Martorell i Peña passed away, donating his collection to the city of Barcelona.
- September 25, 1882: The Museum of Archaeology and Natural Sciences was inaugurated by Mayor Francesc Rius i Taulet. The Martorell Museum of Geology became the first public museum building in the city.
- 1924: The museum was dedicated entirely to geology collections.
- 1936–1939: Closed during the Spanish Civil War.
- 2010: The Martorell Museum closed, and the Natural Sciences Museum moved to the Forum.
Umbracle del Parc de la Ciutadella
- 1883–1887: A greenhouse designed by Josep Amargós for the 1888 Universal Exhibition, built to protect plants from the sun and support the growth of tropical and subtropical species unfamiliar to the Mediterranean climate.
- 1888: Species such as hydrangeas, kentias, gardenias, ficus, elephant ears, Adam’s ribs, arecaceae, carnauba, and yellow jasmine were cultivated here. The space is organized around a central path.
- 2010: The Umbracle closed, and the Natural Sciences Museum relocated to the Forum.
Image Gallery For the Three Dragons Castle & Greenhouses
Click on any of the 17 images to open full screen gallery player. Note that viewing images is subject to our Fair Use Policy.
Visiting the Three Dragons Castle & Greenhouses
Located in the northeast corner of Parc de la Ciutadella, the Three Dragons Castle and surrounding greenhouses are architectural gems from the 1888 Universal Exhibition. While the castle itself remains closed for restoration, the area is rich in history and visual appeal.
The standout attraction today is the Hivernacle greenhouse, which has been fully refurbished and reopened. Designed by Josep Amargós i Samaranch, this elegant iron-and-glass structure features three naves and showcases the coat of arms of Barcelona on both its interior and exterior. Originally built to house tropical plants, it now serves as a peaceful retreat and one of the best photo spots in Ciutadella Park, especially in the morning light when the glass glows with reflections of the surrounding greenery.
Nearby, the Umbracle greenhouse — also designed by Amargós — remains closed but is slated for future restoration. Its unique design once supported the growth of subtropical species like hydrangeas, gardenias, and ficus under filtered sunlight.
Although the Martorell Museum and Three Dragons Castle are not currently open to the public, their façades and surrounding gardens offer a glimpse into Barcelona’s scientific and architectural heritage. These buildings once housed the city’s Natural Sciences Museum, which has since relocated to a modern facility in the Forum district. You can learn more about the new venue here: Natural Sciences Museum – Forum.
Whether you're a history enthusiast, architecture lover, or photography fan, this corner of Ciutadella Park offers a quiet, visually rich experience that connects past and present.
Accessibility & What to Bring
The Three Dragons Castle, Hivernacle, Umbracle, and Museu Martorell are all located within Parc de la Ciutadella, which is fully accessible via gravel and paved paths. The park is flat and open, making it suitable for wheelchairs, mobility aids, and pushchairs.
While the castle and Umbracle remain closed to the public, the Hivernacle greenhouse has reopened and is accessible for visitors. It’s a peaceful, shaded space ideal for relaxing or taking photos of the modernist glass-and-iron architecture and surrounding greenery.
What to bring:
- Camera or smartphone: The Hivernacle is one of the most photogenic spots in the park.
- Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated while exploring the grounds.
- Comfortable shoes: Ideal for walking the park’s gravel paths and gardens.
- Picnic supplies: There are shaded areas nearby perfect for a quiet lunch.
Three Dragons Castle & Greenhouses 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
Closed for refurbishment.
Getting to Three Dragons Castle & Greenhouses
Address: Parc de la Ciutadella, S/N, 08003 Barcelona
By Metro:
- Arc de Triomf (L1 – Red Line): A short walk through Passeig de Lluís Companys and into the park.
- Ciutadella | Vila Olímpica (L4 – Yellow Line): Closest to the Wellington Street entrance, near the greenhouses.
By Train: Estació de França is nearby and served by Renfe Rodalies and Regional trains.
By Bus: Several TMB bus lines stop near the park, with easy access from El Born, Barceloneta, and Eixample.
By Car: Saba Bamsa underground parking is available beneath Passeig de Lluís Companys.
Travel Tip: Use a T-Casual card for single journeys or a Hola Barcelona Travel Card for unlimited public transport during your stay.
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