Parc de la Cituadella

There are a many different ways to discover Parc de la Ciutadella. 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. Barcelona Zoo in also situated in Parc de la Cituadella. Barcelona’s public park par excellence will never let you down.

The Parc de la is a park in Ciutat Vella, Barcelona, Spain. After its establishment during the mid-19th century, it was for decades the only green area in the city, and hitherto of the most popular. It is located at the northeastern edge of the old town, and hosts within its 70 acres the city’s substantial zoo (which was home to the famous albino gorilla Snowflake who died on November 24, 2003), the Parliament of Catalonia, a lake, some museums, and a fountain of considerable size designed by Josep Fontserè (with perhaps some attributions of the young student Antoni Gaudí, who at this time worked at Fontserès office). It is characterized by being a very busy place, crowded with tourists, and locals, who are usually going for a walk, sitting relaxing or taking their children to the special section for kids found near the upper margin of the park. This park is optimal for sports, like for example boating in the lake, cycling (both boat and bicycle can be hired), or jogging.

The main attraction has, from its establishment hitherto been the zoo. This was due to out of the 7,000 animals present the albino gorilla Snowflake, who has died in 2004. Near the zoo’s entrance, the famous climbable gigantic stone mammoth is to be seen, just as the metallic cat in another perimeter of the park.
Another yet to be mentioned conspicuous characteristic is the park’s paths’ layout, one half being made up by sinuous and rather natural seeming trails, and the other by direct and refined ones. Along both, huge a variety of vegetation is assertively displayed, having small signposts at their front, serving as name tags.