Walking Tour #1: Parc de la Ciutadella

A leisurely 13-minute walk from Bailèn 41 (click here for map) brings you to gorgeous Parc de la Ciutadella.

This handsome green space was built for the enjoyment of the city's residents when the Spanish military garrison (erected following the 1714 siege of the city) was pulled down. Among its enchantments: plenty of perfect picnic settings, various playgrounds, a rowing lake, and a cascading fountain on which the young Antoni Gaudi worked as an assistant.

Walk over to Passeig de San Joan and head for the Arc de Triomf (you can't miss it). Stop to view the lovely monument to Lluis Companys, president of the Catalan government executed in 1940 by a Franco firing squad.

The Barcelona Zoo is located at the end of the park.

Photos here are from October 2013 and June 2014. The park is great any time of year, and always beautiful.