Barcelona is a unique city that hides many architectural and historical sights. There is no need to build special centers and entertainment in order to make some place popular. Visitors to Barcelona have enough of these places around the city, where it has just been interesting for a long time. One of these unique places can be called any square in Barcelona. In fact, this is a unique place for visitors. Barcelona's squares are often major transport networks, the center of a cluster of shops and markets, offices and other buildings.
Secrets of the Gothic Quarter
It is impossible to visit Barcelona and not go to the King's Square. The medieval Gothic attraction, like most places in Barcelona, was not without the creations of the great Gaudí. The Royal Square is lined with the architect's famous lanterns, and life and entertainment are in full swing here. This is a cultural entertainment center, consisting of various concerts of street musicians, actors, cafes and shops. On weekends, you can find a flea market here. This is a favorite place not only for vacationers, locals also deeply appreciate its visit.
The Royal Square in Barcelona is square in shape. Previously, there was a Capuchin monastery here, but then, the construction of three buildings (each of which now hosts tours) gave the square a state status. Surround the area:
- Tinea's Hall;
- Agatha's Platinum Chapel;
- and the palace of Lokinet (1549).
Walking through the Gothic quarter, you can see several interesting places at once. For example, King's Square. And these are not synonyms. It differs from the royal square both in place and in character.
Piazza Rei, or Plaza del Rey as it is also called, is a high-walled place in Barcelona that was planned by King Martin of Aragon. It was planned to hold jousting tournaments, theatrical performances and other spectacles in it. The idea of the king to isolate the square was conceived as a shelter from the noise of the market and passers-by of the streets.
The amazing city of Barcelona! In 1860, Idelfons Cerda, a successful engineer, proposed as an improvement to Barcelona's transport network, to arrange the streets in a checkerboard pattern. The idea really turned out to be good, and then, for its implementation, 2 additional avenues were laid in the city, crossing it diagonally.
Plaza de les Glories, most often shortened to a simple Glories. The square lies at the intersection of Avinguda de la Diagonal and Avinguda de la Meridiana avenues.
It is here that the modern symbol of Barcelona architecture, Torre Agbar, Els Encznts shopping malls and the Glories city market are located.
On this square you can find not only grocery and souvenir shops, restaurants and bars, but also the National Theater of Catalonia, you can also enjoy music in L’Auditori.
Of course, the area in the original meaning of the word, namely, large, with a heap of sculptures and fountains, is located in the middle of Barcelona - Plaza de España. The history of this place, more often than others, has undergone changes. In the Middle Ages, there was a square where executions were carried out by hanging, and in 1715 a fortress was already built. After that, the territory increasingly began to acquire cultural significance.
Now on the square, between two Venetian towers (erected in 1928-1929), modern fairs, exhibitions, concerts are held.
Plaza Catalunya on the map
The first, if not in size, then exactly in value. People come here anyway. Whether passing through, or consciously - otherwise it is impossible. Through the Plaza de Cataluna (Plaza de Catalunya) bus, train and metro lines pass.
Here you can enjoy an amazing view of sculptures, fountains and flowering alleys. Huge shopping complexes, including the nine-story El Corte Ingles, will give even the most sophisticated buyer everything they need.
The amount of cheerful noise, joy and entertainment in the squares of Catalonia can only be compared with trips from Sitges to Barcelona.
Just like in Sitges, the most extraordinary artists come here, concerts and shows are held.
The magnificent work of Antonio Gaudi is dated 1914, and since 1984 it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The construction of the park was ordered to the architect by the Catalan businessman Eusebi Güell, who dreamed of building a luxurious garden city of 60 exclusive houses. The project was not very successful. As a result, only a park and two houses were built, the style and architecture of which resemble the dwellings of fairy-tale characters.
The famous garden pleasantly surprises not only with its bright and characteristic tiles, but also with original fountains with allegorical sculptures of animals, winding benches, a Greek theater with a huge observation deck with a beautiful view of Barcelona. Everything in this park - walls, roofs, benches, fountains - is finished with a unique mosaic. On its territory is the house of Güell, in which the family of a businessman once settled. After a while, the park was handed over to the city council, and the Gaudi Museum was located in Guell's house, where you can see original furniture, windows and mirrors with unusual colored glass - everything here was designed by the immortal Gaudi...
Starting from October 2012, Park Güell became paid for all tourists (except residents of Barcelona). Ticket price - 5 euros.
Ciutadella Park
One of the largest parks in Barcelona, built in the 18th century by Philip V. The style resembles the Luxembourg Gardens in Paris and is located on Marqués d’Argentera Avenue, not far from the Arc de Triomphe. On its 30 acres are located the Parliament of Catalonia, several museums - geology, modern art and zoology, the fairy-tale castle of the Three Dragons, a zoo and a chapel. All this is against the backdrop of a huge waterfall and an artificial lake where you can take a boat trip. Tall palms and orange trees add to the splendor of this cheerful ensemble. On the territory of the park, fans of outdoor activities can play table tennis or dance on a special park area. Those wishing to enjoy nature within the city can take a walk in the park surrounded by wonderful fountains, ancient sculptures and fragrant flowers. There is also a magnificent Winter Garden, built from the same materials and in the same era as the Eiffel Tower. On the territory of the park you will find several cozy cafes where you can have a tasty and inexpensive lunch.
Park Labyrinth del Orta
The oldest and best preserved historical park in Barcelona, created in 1791. It is located on the territory of the former estate of the Marquis Desvalls at the foot of the Serra de Collserola mountain range. It includes two real gems: an 18th-century neoclassical garden and a nineteenth-century romantic garden with hundred-year-old trees, ancient gazebos, sculptures in the style of Greek mythology and an extraordinary waterfall. The originality of the descendants of the Marquis Desvalls, who erected this waterfall in the middle of the 19th century, lay in its unusual allegory associated with death. That is why its unique design resembles the structure of a medieval cemetery.
The main attraction of the park, however, is its fabulous labyrinth of cypress bushes arranged asymmetrically. Once inside, you must find a way out, which is actually not as easy as it sounds! The original labyrinth is the perfect place to spend a relaxing Sunday morning away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The cost of one ticket to the park is 2.17 euros. At the same time, on Wednesdays and Sundays, as well as September 24 - admission is free.
Can Sentmenat Gardens
Situated in the Sierra de Collserola, these majestic gardens with unique lush vegetation were created at the end of the nineteenth century, and are one of the few remaining examples of those very exquisite classical gardens that the Catalan aristocracy once created in Barcelona. Built in a romantic French style, Can Sentmenat has retained its original structure, which makes it possible to judge the Catalan garden architecture of a bygone era. In front of the park is an imposing building that served as the residence of the Marquis de Saintmenat. A small path extends from its huge terrace, connecting the two opposite ends of the garden. It is adorned with six magnificent life-size sculptures of women nestled under the sprawling branches of huge trees. The walls of the building are covered with picturesque vines, and the terrace offers a beautiful view of Barcelona and the Collserola mountain peaks.
Gardens of the Royal Palace of Pedralbes
The exclusive park, located on Montjuic, dates back to the 17th century. Behind a 250-meter wall covered with beautiful bougainvillea flowers lies one of the most majestic gardens in Barcelona. Combining sophisticated French style with English classicism, this park takes you instantly back to a time when tranquility and grandeur were the defining elements in the landscape.
Just outside the magnificent wrought iron gate, visitors are greeted by an oval-shaped pond with an elegant female sculpture in its central part. An abundance of flowers, a picturesque waterfall and a small green slope with laurels and orange trees, more like elegant sculptures, complete this amazingly beautiful ensemble. At the back of the park is a majestic palace that served as the residence of the royal family during their visits to Barcelona. Next to it is a semicircular square surrounded by carved balustrades decorated with white marble busts. The central place on it is occupied by a sculpture of Queen Isabella II with her son Alfonso XII in her arms.
In the 19th century, Antoni Gaudi reformed the royal house, built a new gazebo and several fountains, among which Hercules stands out, which has a rather funny story. Built in 1884, it was discovered only 100 years later, during the cleaning of the park, when the gardeners unexpectedly saw a bust of a mythological hero behind the lush vegetation.
At the end of the construction work, Gaudi planted the park with Mediterranean trees - pines, eucalyptus, palm trees, cypresses and magnolias. Not far from the royal palace there is a museum of ceramics and arts and crafts.
Cervantes Rose Park - the best aromatherapy
An absolutely unique place where you want to come back. The unique style distinguishes it from other European cities. Every building here is a work of art. Therefore, you can just walk the streets and enjoy the atmosphere of the Middle Ages. If you have already studied the works of the great architect Antonio Gaudi and are a little tired of the bustle of the city, feel free to move to the parks.
Park Guell
The fantastic Park Güell is one of the most beautiful sights of the city, to which the brilliant Gaudi had a hand. This place is definitely worth a visit if you are traveling with children. This is a truly fabulous park that captures the imagination of people of all ages. Gingerbread houses, fountains and intricate mosaic sculptures, caves and tunnels - all this is buried in the greenery of tropical trees. There are several observation decks here, which offer stunning views of the whole of Barcelona.
Address: Carrer d'Olot 5, 08024 Barcelona, Spain
Nearest station: Lesseps
Working hours: Mon-Sun 08:30-18:00. In summer, the park is open until 21:30.
Ciutadella Park (Parc de la Ciutadella)
In the Old Town is the Ciutadella Park, the largest in Barcelona. This is a real open-air museum, where a large number of sculptures and architectural structures are collected. Here is the Arc de Triomphe of Barcelona, a zoo known throughout Europe with animals from all over the world, gardens of Eden with flamingos and, of course, the famous Cascade Fountain, which Gaudí worked on. Part of the territory is reserved for botanical gardens and greenhouses. You can safely set aside a whole day for a walk in the park, rent a bike or go boating on the lake.
Address: Passeig de Picasso, 21, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
Nearest station: Ciutadella / Vila Olimpica
Working hours: Mon-Sun 10:00 - 21:00.
Horta Labyrinth Park (Parc del Laberint d "Horta)
The Orta Labyrinth Park is located almost on the outskirts of the city and deserves special attention. This is one of the oldest parks in Barcelona, which used to be part of the estate of a family of aristocrats. Now it is a favorite place for photo shoots of fashion magazines. By the way, it was here that one of the scenes of the film "Perfume" was filmed. A real Italian garden with ancient Greek sculptures, small waterfalls, a fountain and a grotto. In the very center of the park there is a small labyrinth of cypresses, where you can still get lost. They say that if you decide to enter the labyrinth, always try to keep to the right side and then you will find a way out. In summer, classical music concerts are held here.
Address: Passeig dels Castanyers, 1, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
Nearest station: Mundet
Working hours: Mon-Sun 10:00 - 21:00.
University Gardens (Jardins de la Universitat)
In the city center, near the historic building of the University of Barcelona, the university gardens are located. You need to come here to take a break from the noisy city in the shade of trees, have a bite to eat or take a walk along the alleys. The park has many rare tropical trees and flowers, among which you can comfortably sit on the benches. It is worth looking into the building of the university itself, which inside looks like a real palace. In autumn, one of the largest festivals in Spain, the Open Festival, takes place in the University Gardens.
Address: Gran Via de Les Corts Catalanes, 585, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
Nearest station: Universitat
Gardens of the Royal Palace of Pedralbes (Palacio Real de Pedralbes)
It is worth looking into the most prestigious area of Barcelona - Pedralbes, take a walk in the royal palace and beautiful gardens, which Gaudi decorated with his works. The garden itself looks like a greenhouse, there are different types of palms and cypresses, cedars, fragrant eucalyptus trees and many tropical flowers. Every year (at the beginning of summer) the famous Barcelona music festival Jardins de Pedralbes takes place here. In addition to the royal residence, it is worth visiting the Pedralbes Monastery. A very majestic building in the Spanish Gothic style.
Address: Av. Diagonal, 686, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
Nearest station: L3 Palau Real
SWISS planes regularly fly to Barcelona, flights can be booked.
As it is written in the most general terms in all Barcelona guidebooks, the Spanish Village is an open-air architectural museum located at the foot of the mountain Montjuic . In fact, the atmosphere there is not at all museum-like, although they give an audio guide at the entrance. .
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Getting into the Spanish Village is very easy. It is located behind Plaza de España, i.е. "above" it, at the foot of the Montjuic hill. The easiest way to get there is to take a free funicular trailer that will take you from the Espanya metro station transition directly to the Olympic stadium in Montjuic, by the way, if you have time, you can wander around the Olympic venues, it's completely free. Somehow we were there closer to sunset and it was no longer hot and walked around a lot, looking at the Olympic torch, stadiums, fountains and admiring from afar the fortress on Montjuic, which I still haven’t got into. Next, you need to go down a little (pointers to the Spanish village are all over the hill - Poble Espanyol, it is called in Spanish). The descent is very pleasant along the alleys planted with flowering bushes and pine trees that give shade.
This is exactly what it (ID) looks like, or rather, its main square - Plaza Mayor from the hill (the photo was found somewhere on the Internet). Entrance for adults - 9 euros. The audio guide is included in the price.
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Some general information. The ID contains copies of the most beautiful and famous buildings of Spanish architecture from different parts of the country in life-size or slightly reduced size.
This architectural complex was built in 1927 for the opening of the 1929 World Exhibition in Barcelona. Its authors, Xavier Nogues, Miquel Utrilto and Ramon Raventos, thoroughly familiarized themselves with the heritage of medieval, Renaissance and Baroque architecture in various parts of Spain. Here are collected 116 houses, churches and palaces belonging to different eras, but, regardless of this, of architectural and artistic interest. Pueblo Espanyol was the first such project. The "Swiss Village" in Geneva, the "Village of the Pharaohs" on the Nile in Egypt and many other places with a folklore and architectural bias appeared later.
Entering inside, you immediately find yourself on the main square, on which, by the way, there are numerous restaurants, which are almost empty most of the time, even in season. In one of them I like to dine on those evenings when a herd of tourist groups is not driven there. I apologize for the disrespectful comparison, but I myself first got there in this way, the impressions from the dinner were terrible, and the restaurant itself is very warm, so I have already visited it twice in a calm atmosphere. The photos were taken almost from the restaurant, it is located on the balcony.
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From the Main Square, several streets depart, leading deep into the complex. Passing through them, you will alternately bypass the various regions of Spain and observe how the architecture changes as you move from one region to another. There are also charming fountains, and houses with cozy little balconies, suitable only for "walking" indoor plants, and Gothic cathedrals. Most of the buildings on the territory of the complex are restaurants or craftsmen's workshops, as well as souvenir shops. Souvenir everywhere is about the same, but in the shops of artisans you can find things made by really talented people of a local scale. For example, I love ceramics and brought more products from there than even from Greece, I also go to see colored glass products with pleasure, in my opinion, I bought someone as a souvenir.
Unfortunately, I don’t know which region the architecture of this street corresponds to, but I really like these white vaults, which are also covered with tiles.
Catalans often celebrate weddings, anniversaries and other family celebrations in local restaurants. It is very cozy in local restaurants, because. the atmosphere is homely, and after 18.00, when the complex stops letting tourists in, the streets become completely deserted and it turns out that your walk takes place in an almost empty town. I think the feeling is amazing.
After wandering around (or better, having dinner) in the Spanish Village, go down the hill (10 minutes on foot at a lazy step) directly to Plaza España, where (although, unfortunately, not every evening) a beautiful fountain show takes place. Start at 22.00. You can watch it from anywhere in the huge square, the view will be different everywhere, but equally stunning, however, if this is your first time at the fountain show in Barcelona, then it’s better to climb to the very top, on the beam or even a little higher and watch the whole picture of the pillars from the steps of Palau Nacional, here it is below in the photo (yes, in Europe everyone sits on the steps - it's warm and clean there).
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Parc de la Ciutadella is located in the administrative district of the Old City (Ciutat Vella) of Barcelona. Many sculptures and monuments made the park a kind of museum framed by picturesque nature. The Ciutadella Park is a favorite place for locals and visitors to relax in Barcelona.
Story
Catalan separatism is not a new phenomenon. The name Ciutadella (Citadel) dates back to the beginning of the 18th century. During the War of the Spanish Succession, King Philip V captured Barcelona. To hold the city, he ordered the construction of a huge fortress in its center, which occupied three-quarters of the area of the Old City. Its construction was accompanied by the demolition of the houses of local residents and the imposition of a special tax on them, which caused mass discontent.
A century and a half later, the fortress, which reminded the Catalans of their defeat, lost its military significance. Under their pressure, the Spanish authorities agreed to the demolition of most of the Citadel. Only the buildings of the arsenal, the military chapel and the Governor's Palace were preserved. The rest of the territory was laid out in the park. In the middle of the XIX century. it became the first green massif of the city.
At the end of the XIX century. Ciutadella Park has been reorganized twice. By the 1888 EXPO World Exhibition, the Cascada fountain (“Cascade”), the Castell dels Tres Dragons restaurant (“Castle of the Three Dragons”), the sculpture Lady with umbrella (“Lady with an umbrella”), demonstration pavilions and galleries, beautiful lamps appeared in it . Not far from the entrance, on the boulevard Passeig de Lluis Companys, the Arco del Triunfo (Arc de Triomphe) was installed, which served as the solemn entrance to the EXPO. The next reconstruction, carried out a few years later, made it possible to place a zoo in the Parc de la Ciutadella.
Modernity
The Ciutadella Park covers 30 hectares. It is open daily from 10 am until dark. The park has two entrances - the main one, near the Arc de Triomphe, and the auxiliary one - from the Olympic Village (Barcelona Olympics 1992). , designed by the architect Josep Vilasek y Casanovas, is decorated with the coats of arms of Spain and the provinces of the country.
Along the edges of the alley from the Arc de Triomphe to the main entrance, very peculiar lampposts are installed. At the entrance there are sculptures - allegories of the dominant at the end of the 19th century. branches of the economy. These are "Agriculture", "Production and Trade" and "Marine Affairs".
Immediately after entering, visitors are greeted by a fountain with a sculptural group of cute babies crawling on a massive decorative vase.
In the alleys you can admire the many flowering trees and shrubs. The sizes of flowers (with a human head) of magnolia grandiflora are surprising. The axis of the park landscape is made up of a large lake and three central alleys, planted respectively with lindens, poplars and elms. The lake is home to fish, waterfowl and turtles. Parrots, magpies and pigeons walk along the alleys, not being afraid of people. On the lake you can take a boat trip, paying 1.2 EUR for half an hour.
In the northern part of the park, next to the Passeig de les Pujades boulevard, is perhaps its most beautiful building - the magnificent monumental Cascada fountain with a grotto. The creative team of the sculptor Josep Fontsere, which created it, also included Antonio Gaudi, who was then taking his first steps. The fountain is realized in the form of a triumphal arch. It is crowned with a bronze sculpture of the goddess of dawn, Aurora, on a quadriga. It has a length of 6.5 m and weighs 35 tons. In the center of the sculptural composition is Venus riding on a shell. In her environment are many mythical and sea creatures.
Not far from this fountain, a life-sized stone mammoth is hiding among the trees (according to the initial idea, it was supposed to continue the series of disappeared prehistoric animals).
Castle Castell dels Tres Dragons
Another iconic building in the park is the Castell dels Tres Dragons. The name was most likely borrowed from the then popular novel The Castle of the Three Dragons by Serafi Pittar. The building was designed by the architect Luis Dumenech y Muntane, who is considered the founder of Catalan modernism. The building has the shape of a square with four crenellated corner towers. They are bordered by white ceramic plates with images of animals, plants and people. The window openings were decorated with stained-glass windows destroyed by a bomb explosion during the Civil War.
The building of the former restaurant now houses the Museu de Zoologia (Museum of Zoology). It can be visited from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm (Thursday until 6:30 pm). The price of the entrance ticket is 3.5 EUR.
Zoo
The southern part of the park is reserved for one of the best zoos in Europe. 7.5 thousand animals belonging to 400 species live in it in spacious enclosures. Every day there are several performances with the participation of animals - Magia al Zoo! (Zoo Magic), Lleons marins (Sea Lion Show) and Dofins (Dolphin Show). You can visit the Parc Zoologic de Barcelona from 10 am until dark. A ticket for adults costs 19.9 EUR, and for children from 3 to 12 years old - 11.95 EUR.
On the territory of the zoo there is a decorative fountain crowned with a sculpture of Lady with umbrella (“Lady with an umbrella”). Aristocrat at the end of the 19th century looks from a high pedestal at those walking in the park, and, perhaps, is perplexed: “Oh times, about morals!”.
Other objects of the park
Since 1882, the oldest Museum of Geology in Barcelona has been located on the territory of the park. It was based on a personal archaeological and geological collection donated to the city. Over time, only geological exhibits have been preserved here. The museum can be visited from 10:00 to 18:30 (on Sunday - until 14:30) every day except Monday. Ticket price - 3.7 EUR .
In the northwest of the park there is a glazed gallery Hivernacle ("Winter ») , restored and used for exhibitions and other cultural events. Another gallery - Umbracle ("Palm"), is now a greenhouse with tropical plants.
The building of the former arsenal is located in the center of the park, across the lake, on the Placa d`Armes (Citadel parade ground), lined with orange trees. Now the Parliament of Catalonia sits here. In front of him, in the pond, there is a copy of Josep Llimon's sculpture Desconsol ("Despair"), which he presented to the city. The original is kept in the Museu Nacional d "Art de Catalunya (National Art Museum of Catalonia). The sculpture was originally intended to be installed in a crypt, which explains the pose of despondency and sadness of the depicted woman.
In the Governor's Palace, which remained from the original Citadel, one of the institutions of the Catalan government now operates.
How to get to the park and its facilities?
The nearest metro to the park is the Ciutadella/Vila Olímpica station on the L4 line. The park can also be reached by tram T4, getting off at the Wellington stop. Other transport stops are closer to some individual objects of the vast park.
The nearest bus stop to the Castle of the Three Dragons is the Parc de la Ciutadella-Pg Picasso bus stop, which can be reached from the center of Barcelona by routes No. 39, 51. A little further from the castle is the T4 Ciutadella / Vila Olímpica tram stop. Nearby is the Arc de Triomf station on the L1 metro line. You can also take the L4 metro line to the station of the same name, after which you can walk a little.
Closest bus stop to the zoo – Ciutadella/Vila Olímpica, which can be reached by metro L4 or tram T4. Those heading to the Museum of Geology can pre-travel to the Barceloneta metro station on the L4 line.