Beautiful Parc de la Ciutadella and its surroundings

Parc de la Ciutadella is located east of Barcelona’s Old Town so plan to stop in when you’re next in the neighbourhood.

‘Citadel Park’ was designed by architect Josep Fontseré. It was created on the grounds where the city’s 18th-century military citadel once stood, hence the name.

La Cascada

For a long time, Parc de la Ciutadella was Barcelona’s only green haven. Today it’s a place that will give you rest from the bustling city. You can wander the wide pathways, rent a boat and drift out onto the lake or simply sit and admire the waterfall and fountain adorned by the beautiful statues. Antoni Gaudí was a student at the time of its construction and assisted Josep Fontseré on the design of The Cascada (waterfall or cascade in Spanish).

If you look up from the fountain you will see Quadriga de l’Aurora La Cascada, the impressive gold chariot of Aurora. The quadriga is a chariot drawn by four horses, it was raced in the Ancient Olympic Games, it’s also used as a symbol of triumph. You might have seen one in the movie Ben Hur.

Above the waterfall, the Naixement de Venus rises out of her shell.

Museum of geology

Located at the south western corner of the park is Museu Martorell. Built in 1878, it was this city’s first public museum and since 1924 it has exclusively housed geology collections. There’s also a library that houses a collection of books on the sciences of geology and paleontology for the academic in you. Although the centre is temporarily closed to the public you can have a wonder through the library.

Hungry after a walk in the park?

There are plenty of places to grab a bite after your visit.

Murivecchi is a local favourite for Italian food located near the park. To spot it keep an eye out for the wooden crates filled with greens and flowers stacked up outside the restaurant.

Llamber has good reviews and a great reputation in gastronomy. They serve high-quality dishes that are prepared with love and there are plenty of vegetarian options. One dish that people rave about is the beetroot carpaccio.

For a spot of Mexican try Taco Alto, as the name suggests you will get a delicious taco. Simple menu to choose from and friendly staff. If you get a chance to visit, try the “tinto” taco (red wine marinated beef). Yum!