Parks
The Parc de la Ciutadella,
Barcelona"s urban "green lung", is no ordinary park. In 1869, the demolition of the military citadel, built a century earlier by Philip V, was highly significant for a boom Barcelona with its sights firmly set on the
1888 Universal Exhibition. The result was a park which the architect
Josep Fontseré adapted to the needs of the world fair.
This large park with lots of open space is also known as the Parc l"Escorxador (so named because it stands on the site of the old municipal slaughterhouse: escorxador in Catalan) and is used by visitors and locals from Barcelona"s Eixample Esquerra to relax. This great urban "lung", full of possibilities, is located at the south-west end of the neighbourhood and is the perfect appetiser before you begin exploring the monumental Plaça Espanya.
A small, delightful park, sunny but with shady areas, simple yet complex, is located in
Barcelona"s Eixample. An artistic gem which combines the contours of the land with art, creating a park of extreme delicacy, where decorative forms make a walk through the large grassy areas a pleasure for the senses.
Montjuïc Hill has borne witness to, and been the focus of key events that have shaped its personality. The first such event was the
1929 International Exhibition held in Barcelona which fostered the development of the zone. More recently, the
1992 Olympic Games brought about major renewal.
Barcelona lived through a magical summer it will never forget. When the city hosted the
1992 Olympic Games, the city became the world"s capital during a fortnight which will be etched forever in people"s memories.
The Olympic Ring on Montjuïc was the nerve centre of the festivities.
