We suggest starting your walk at the Triumphal Arch, from which the wide Companis Alley stretches toward the sea. Keep in mind that the surroundings of Ciutadella Park are not the main, and far from the only, answer to the question of what to see in Barcelona. You will find several more excellent routes for self-guided tours by looking at other guides from Ever.Travel:

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So, let's begin! Triumphal arches are usually erected in honor of great victories and rulers, but in Barcelona it was created for a rather unusual reason. This majestic ornament of the capital of Catalonia was built for the opening of the 1888 World's Fair.

The main exhibition of technical progress achievements was located in Ciutadella Park, specially renovated for the Expo. A 30-meter arch of red brick, richly decorated with sculptures, became a landmark for exhibition guests arriving from all over the world. Participants of Expo-1888 solemnly entered the park along the wide boulevard through these grand gates.

Architect Josep Vilaseca created the design in the then-popular Neo-Moorish style, in which elements of Gothic, Renaissance, and Moorish motifs themselves are interwoven. Thanks to this eclecticism, the Triumphal Arch turned out very elegant and graceful despite its impressive size.

Its beauty lies not only in the original shape with half-columns, domes, and colorful decor, but also in the carefully worked-out details. Four different sculptors worked on the compositions adorning the upper half of the arch. On the facade, guests of the city are greeted by a bas-relief depicting Barcelona as a joyful lady who welcomes representatives of different nations. Above the bas-relief rises the coat of arms of Spain, and below the sculptures are the coats of arms of all provinces. The sculptures on the sides of the arch are dedicated to industry, trade, art, and agriculture - the foundations of World's Fairs.

From the Triumphal Arch, head straight on, and the avenue will lead you right to the entrance to Ciutadella Park, where you will immediately see the Castle of the Three Dragons on your right.

Flickr, kzzzkc

The appearance of this place was also timed to the 1888 World's Fair. Back then and for several years afterward, a restaurant was located here. But later the building was turned over to the zoological museum. Today, inside you can see various minerals, as well as stuffed birds, animals, reptiles, and even a mammoth skeleton.

But many tourists come here not for them at all. Guards like to say that every night in the museum inhuman screams can be heard. Perhaps these are the cries of those very animals whose stuffed bodies are presented here. Local employees whisper that at night the exhibits come to life and wander through the halls. This undoubtedly stirs the imagination and significantly heightens visitors' interest. Especially since during the museum's years of operation quite a few security guards have been replaced who, supposedly, cannot withstand this psychological attack.

They say that in search of inspiration, the makeup artists of the acclaimed film Pan's Labyrinth strolled through the halls of this museum. Anyone who has seen it will surely appreciate how significantly this extraordinary museum influenced the overall style of Guillermo del Toro's film.

But the museum was nicknamed the Castle of the Three Dragons not because you can see the remains of these mythical creatures here, but because of the peculiar shape of the building itself.

If you wish, visit this collection, and then continue your walk through Ciutadella Park.

Flickr, YvesGenest

In fact, Ciutadella Park, where the beautiful Cascada Fountain is located, has a dramatic history. It all began in the 18th century, when the formidable King Philip V turned against his people by deciding to build a defensive fortress in the city where one could take shelter not only from enemies, but also from the peaceful population. To do this, the tyrant ordered the homes of local residents to be destroyed so that this place and its materials could be used for the construction of the Citadel. What's more, the townspeople evicted from their homes were also forcibly sent to work on the construction!

However, several decades later the fortress was destroyed, and it was decided to lay out a park in its place that with its scale and beauty would forever overshadow the crimes of the authorities against the people. Thus, by the end of the 19th century, Ciutadella Park was opened to the delight of Barcelona residents.

Today this luxurious park with manicured lawns and avenues impresses with its contrasts: here tall palm trees stand next to elms and poplars, and masterpieces of architecture from past centuries rise among the green lawns.

In the middle of the park there is a large lake, on whose shore turtles bask in the sun, while fish splash in the water, which you can see more closely by renting a boat for a leisurely ride.

Head out to this lake and you will see the park's main attraction - the majestic Cascada Fountain.

Flickr, Skycladphotography.ca

The true highlight of the park is the fountain, erected in 1881. Although initially it was pale and rather simple compared to the sophistication of the rest of the park. Therefore, city sculptors were brought in to improve its appearance, among whom was the then still-unknown architect Antonio Gaudi. The brilliant master made adjustments that noticeably transformed the fountain and gave it the unique appearance we see now. It was thanks to Gaudi that creatures from various myths and legends settled on the Cascada, and the quadriga of Aurora appeared at its summit.

If you are a fan of the famous Catalan architect and during your walks around Barcelona want to see his other works, we advise paying attention to the guide to the masterpieces of Antonio Gaudi.

And one more thing: the surroundings of Ciutadella Park are a great place to choose a hotel. This area is significantly quieter compared with La Rambla or Plaza Catalunya, and prices here are lower. At the same time, the main sights can easily be reached on foot or by bicycle. Check out the options on Booking.com, it is very convenient that there you can choose hotels not only by price, but also by location in the city.

Flickr, ancama_99(toni)

If you continue your walk through Ciutadella Park, then passing the building of the Parliament of Catalonia you will definitely come to the Barcelona Zoo. On its well-kept green territory of 13 hectares live more than three hundred animal species, and the total number of zoo inhabitants exceeds two thousand. A wide variety of animals from all parts of the world are housed in spacious enclosures that imitate their natural habitats.

Places like this are rarely included in lists from the What to see in Barcelona series, but if you came with children, then we are sure that they will find it much more interesting here than at Sagrada Familia :)

The history of the Barcelona Zoo began in 1892, when the city's mayor accepted the proposal of the wealthy banker Lluis Marti to sell his private collection of exotic animals. The animals were housed in Ciutadella Park, which had been magnificently arranged in connection with the recent World's Fair. The collection of zoo inhabitants was constantly replenished, and over 120 years of existence many separate thematic zones appeared here.

Walking along the beautiful green avenues among marble statues, you will be able to explore the zoo sections dedicated to reptiles and tropical birds, marine animals and domesticated species, admire the power of tigers and lions, the grace of gazelles and roe deer, marvel at the strange appearance of anteaters, and watch a huge hippopotamus. But the zoo has the greatest variety of primates - monkeys and macaques, orangutans and gorillas, cute marmosets and rare mangabeys frolic and play in their enclosures for the amusement of visitors.

Here we will leave you, rest needs no commentary from guides :) We only want to remind you that you will find all these places on the interactive map of Barcelona attractions. Using it, you can make a trip plan that will then instantly sync with the free Ever.Travel mobile app foriPhone and Android.Never prepared for a trip this way before? It's time to try!