On our last day in Barcelona, we had a vague idea that we might check out one or two small museums, so we headed in their general direction after checking out of the hotel. It was a particularly beautiful day weather-wise – the sun was shining, the sky was a bright, clear blue. And we were tempted away from the indoor activities in favor of a Sunday stroll.
So, we were wandering and at one point came to the edge of the Parc de la Ciutadella, i.e. the Barcelona Citadel Park. This was not a spot that was covered in our guidebook, and it was primarily populated by extended — and presumably local — families having their Sunday picnics. A highly enjoyable, relaxed atmosphere that prompted us to meander in and around the park.
In doing so we discovered two interesting monuments that apparently the locals understand the significance of, since there was no signage for tourists that we could find. One monument turns out to be the Arc de Triumf arch, built for the 1888 International exhibition, but I didn’t know that until I looked it up online today. The other monument features a huge chariot and horses on top, all decked out in golden paint. Perhaps that’s also from the exposition – I haven’t figured that one out yet.
BTW, the ducks in last week’s post were in the pond at the foot of that thing with the chariot on top.
There were several other things to see as we roamed around: a music recital in a open-air pavillion next to a snack bar where we stopped for a water break; a group of kids entranced by a woman wielding a giant soap-bubble-making-contraption; old men playing a game that looked similar to Italian bocce ball on public courts near the Arch; interesting, random things as well.
In other words, it was an unplanned and highly satisfying afternoon of enjoying Barcelona as a few of the locals did.
If you have questions about specific photos below, let me know – I decided just to post these with the briefest of captions, or else it would have been next week before I got any of these posted. 😉 Hope you enjoy this virtual walk in – and around – the Parc de la Ciutadella in Barcelona.
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- A playful pose: The Friendly Tourist, Barcelona
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- A jaunty pose: Roger de Llúria
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- Arc de Triomf, Barcelona
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- Arc de Triomf, Barcelona
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- Bocce Ball courts off to one side near the Arch
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- Closer to the Arc de Triomf, Barcelona
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- Promenade toward Arc de Triomf, Barcelona
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- Promenade toward Arc de Triomf, Barcelona
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- Odd lion with flowers a decoration on park wall
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- Music recital, Parc de la Ciutadella, Barcelona
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- Fun with bubbles – #4
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- Fun with bubbles – #3
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- Fun with bubbles – #2
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- Fun with bubbles – #1
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- There’s a zoo in the Parc de la Ciutadella, Barcelona
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- View from the Charioteer Monument in Parc de la Ciutadella, Barcelona
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- Charioteer Monument in Parc de la Ciutadella, Barcelona – front view 2
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- Charioteer Monument in Parc de la Ciutadella, Barcelona – front view
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- Charioteer Monument in Parc de la Ciutadella, Barcelona – from a distance
great photos. love the one of Chris with the handle of the suitcase about his face. it looked like a lovely day.
Thanks – it was indeed a fun, relaxing day!
Dad knew about the battles Roger took part in and this was the period when the French were defeated by the Spanish.
The word mafia comes from this period when the French raped a Sicilian young girl named Fia (sic) and her mother cried over her body,”Mafia” from which the word mafia comes from.
A short version of what your father imparted. I’m sure you can find out more if you’re interested. You could look it up, he said.
Also look the the face of Roger and I see something of my nephew Robert in it. What say you, Kathy.
Nice glasses, Chris. They look good.
Sounds like you had a wonderful day. Chris, it’s good to see the friendly traveler back once more!!
I really enjoyed the bubble blowing pictures.
Thanks for all the comments!
@Mom, tell Dad that the word mafia doesn’t come from that story – it’s an urban legend that it means “my daughter”. Re Roger, yes he was a big naval tactician who ran around defeating the French.
@Ashley, Chris has had those glasses for over a year, but I think they do show up quite well above the suitcase handle. 😉
@Judie and Stan, hanks for the comments! Have you two ever seen that bubble thing used by your grandkids in the U.S. I thought some of those bubbles with that big wire thing were quite impressive!