Parks
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.
At the Parc de l"Espanya Industrial you"ll find a giant sculpture of a dragon (which doubles up as a slide for kids), grassy areas, Mediterranean trees and sports fields. This is the perfect spot for a peaceful family picnic far from the noise and bustle of the city.
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.
For grown-ups, the
Parc de l"Oreneta is an area of urban woodland between Collserola and the city, an
outdoor place where they can lose themselves and observe the wide variety of Mediterranean vegetation. For the kids, it represents a world of excitement.
Relics of the exhibition can still be seen today in the Parc de la Ciutadella, with buildings such as the
Castell dels Tres Dragons, which occupies the original restaurant designed for the exhibition by
Domènech i Montaner, the waterfall and lake, designed by Fontseré, and the beautiful plant house, the
Umbracle, and glass house, the
Hivernacle.
Barcelona Zoo has stood on the other side of the park since 1892. The
Catalan Parliament stands in the parade ground, in the former military arsenal of the citadel. Nearby, you can see a replica of
Josep Llimona"s beautiful sculpture "
El desconsol" (Distress), which is one of the most important pieces of public art in the park.
