Built in the second half of the 19th century, Parc de la Ciutadella is one of the key green spaces in the city of Oh-Barcelona. For many years it was actually the only 1 in the town and one of the first to be designed specifically to be used as a public park. In 1951 it was announced a monument of historic and creative interest and is now said to be an open-air museum, given the variety and quality of its sculptures by Frederic Mars, Eusebi Arnau, Josep Clar, Josep Llimona, Pau Gargallo, Manuel Fux and others.

Today, Parc de la Ciutadella is one of the places with the most leisure and cultural activities in the city. A fine example of this is the jazz program held each year between June and September. The park also contains museums, the Parliament of Catalonia and numerous sculptures.

The layout of the park is rather eclectic, winding, more natural lines combining with more classical, geometrical shapes. Outstanding features of the landscaping include the large, enormous waterfall, a lake on which you can sail in little rowing boats, and a summerhouse for music.

Another major feature of the park is the Plaa d’Armes, in front of the parliament building, which was designed in 1916 by the French civil engineer J.C.N. Forestier and the high point of which is El desconsol, a sculpture of a female undressed by Josep Llimona in the middle of the pool at the centre of the plaa.
Passeig dels Tillers starts at the park’s most impressive entrance, at the end of a fabulous walk that begins with Passeig de Sant Joan, continues along Passeig de Llus Companys, at the head of which stands the wonderful Arc de Triomf, to the park gates, just in front of the Rius i Taulet monument. This is one of the most fascinating urban sights in Barcelona.

Parc de la Ciutadella is loaded in plant life, much more noteworthy given the incontrovertible fact that much of it was introduced at the end of the 19th century. There are numerous trees, palms and bushes which are identified so visitors can recognize the primary species or the most exotic, of which there are a lot.

Over 100 species of birds can be discovered in the park, including a massive colony of grey herons, the most important in Catalonia today. Sublime and majestic, it is easy to spot them flying round the park, a handy place for ornithology enthusiasts.

There are popular sculptures, like the enormous stone mammoth of 1907 and La dama del paraiges, above the ornamental fountain, which for many years was one of Barcelona’s landmarks.

Parc de la Ciutadella is closely linked to Barcelona’s history. It is on the site where, in 1715, the Spanish King, Felipe V, following the city’s rendition on eleven September 1714 and his victory in the War of Succession, had a massive fortress, or castle, built. To supply the necessary land, the walls at the extreme south end of the city were demolished, along with over 1,000 houses in the Ribera locale. If you want to visit this historic park, you can now rent an apartment thanks to Oh-Barcelona.com