it's the Citadel. So, from my previous post, you learned that a 14-hectare zoo in Barcelona is located in this park. Means what? YES, the park is bigger) and the zoo in it occupies about a third of the space ..
In general, the theme of the park is interesting! Initially, it was built on the territory of the old fortress. Long ago, in the summer of 1705, the swift Archduke Charles of Austria, without much difficulty, seized the weakened Barcelona. Few specifies, but then it was the Catalans who, out of hatred of the Castilians, recognized him as king (!)
And only after nine years, the army led by Philip V, far from the first attempt, repulsed the city as a result of a long siege. Well, I dug in there during this time, that's it.
Philip V was very tired of losing and he decided on this site to build the largest fortress in Europe, in order to protect Barcelona from enemy attacks.
As a result, powerful defense facilities were erected, and for this purpose it was necessary to demolish more than a thousand houses of city residents. Many became offended, i think)
Since then, the fortress of Ciutadella remained a mute reproach to the Catalans about the defeat in the old war, which once influenced the disappearance of national sovereignty. It becomes clear why the inhabitants of Barca were so exultant when in 150 years the fortress was completely liquidated in connection with the organization of the World Exhibition in 1888.But there was not much left for the memory:
The glass and metal glasshouse, which was made for the exhibition as much as 1951
Part of the fortress, restaurant, castle of three dragons
With an interesting spire
This reconstructed complex for the exhibition was finally reconstructed into a park.
The basis of it was the lake and three central alleys: lime, poplar and elm trees.
Here's an operation to get the ducks out of starvation on an uninhabited island
The most impressive construction of the park is the cascading Monumental fountain,
Made in the classical style and decorated with a remarkable sculptural ensemble with the quadriga Aurora, cast from bronze. Quadriga, and you and I also now know - this is an antique two-wheeled chariot with four horses drawn.
To the fountain, Antonio Gaudi also has some relation, well, engaged in the hydropower and the grotto behind the falling water :) many would recognize his style in sculptures, although he was still very young and not yet known .. there is a couple of his works, who are interested - will find out himself)
Of course, the work of the masters is to be considered more closely, this part - the birth of Venus, many learned?
In the park there are dozens of sculptures, all with a sense and history
A statue of a mammoth, which is so similar to a living one!
In the park there are always different performances, there are many people, somewhere a concert
And where are the attractions and entertainment for children
And most importantly - the children are happy and busy!
But you can always find a more or less peaceful place, nowhere is it forbidden to lie on the lawn
But what are these sounds? Pipes and drums? Suddenly, from nowhere - another dvizhna .. In this - the whole of Barcelona!
The guys obviously have something to celebrate, because they tried so hard!
Very colorful characters!
Brave guys
Ladies, according to the displeased faces - the aristocratic ones
Peasants is easier satisfied )
And the kids in action
And this man, you can recall the first story, a slightly different angle, but the sun is the same)
And by the way, about the famous "Lady with an umbrella", which symbolizes the romantic spirit of Barcelona - I already showed in the review of the zoo, but it's so cool that again ... It is considered a symbol of Barcelona, for a minute!
Thank you all for attention! To be continued.