The cannons of the citadel built by

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The Ciutadella Park was laid out on the site of an old fortress, which was built in 1714 by order of King Philip V of Bourbon after the capture of Barcelona. In order to clear the site for its construction, several residential areas were demolished. A special tax was even introduced to finance the construction work. The fortress, erected in the very center of the city, became one of the largest in Europe at that time.

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King Philip were aimed at the poor areas of Barcelona. The fortified fortress was a constant reminder to the Catalans of their defeat in the War of Spanish Succession and the loss of their independence.

Barcelona attractions

The fortress stood until the middle of the 19th century. When it completely lost its military and strategic importance, the Spanish authorities allowed it to be destroyed. The locals happily tore down the symbol of their enslavement and laid out a city park on its territory. Only a few buildings and the Arsenal building, which was turned into the Parliament of Catalonia, remained from the old fortress.

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In 1888, the Ciutadella Park was rebuilt to host the first special database Exhibition in Barcelona. Many interesting pavilions appeared there. In 1892, the Barcelona Zoo was opened here, occupying about a third of the park's territory. The highlight of the Ciutadella Park and the basis of its landscape design were a large artificial lake and three alleys - Poplar, Linden and Elm.

Barcelona attractions

In 1881, the monumental Cascada fountain appeared in the Ciutadella Park. In its final version, it was presented at the World Exhibition of 1881. The large Cascada fountain is crowned by a bronze chariot of Aurora. Several Catalan architects and sculptors took part in the creation of its monumental composition, including the young Antonio Gaudi.