Cascada fountain

The cascade fountain of Parc de la Ciutadella

The Barcelona audio-guided tour leads you before the highlight of the Parc de la Ciutadella: its fine cascade fountain, inspired by the Trevi fountain in Rome. Monumental and theatrical, it was designed to dazzle the visitors of the universal exhibition.

Fontseré and the young Gaudí

As Barcelona prepares to host the universal exhibition, the architect of the park, Josep Fontserè, works on this spectacular project, helped by a young unknown named Antoni Gaudí. Together, they design crab-claw staircases leading to a platform, from where visitors can admire the statues more closely. The fountain thus becomes a true monumental setting, blending architecture, sculpture and water.

What there is to see

At the centre, on a mound of stones, a Venus emerges from her shell. At the top of the ensemble unfolds the magnificent golden group of the quadriga of the Dawn, this chariot drawn by four horses seeming ready to leap. Waterfalls, basins and statues make up a grandiose and romantic setting, one of the most photographed of the park. You can climb onto the platform to enjoy the overall view.

Practical information

The cascade fountain is in the heart of Parc de la Ciutadella, in Barcelona. It can be contemplated freely during the park's opening hours, which may vary with the season; a platform accessible by stairs allows you to approach the statues. It is one of the highlights of the walk in the park.

Who designed the cascade fountain?

The architect Josep Fontserè, helped by the young Antoni Gaudí, for the universal exhibition of 1888.

What adorns the top of the fountain?

The golden quadriga of the Dawn, a chariot drawn by four horses, overlooks the whole, with a Venus emerging from her shell below.