Parc Zoologic Barcelona - Barcelona Zoo

Parc Zoologic Barcelona - Barcelona Zoo attracts more than a million visitors annually. It is not difficult to understand why, once you understand everything it offers animal lovers. Constructed in 1892 these thirteen hectares situated in Ciutadella Park house a huge number of animals from four hundred various species, many of whom typically are not found at other conservation establishments.

There are programs which stock as well as protect the Gila Monster which is a sizable lizard that is a favorite amongst children and grown ups alike. You are able to safely look at this particular creature which has changed very little from the prehistoric era. A little way behind on the time scale is the Giant Anteater, a rare species at zoos. The Pygmy Hippopotamus is yet another uncommon animal which visitors are unlikely to see, even at many larger facilities.

Parc Zoologic Barcelona

The zoo additionally hosts several Black Vultures, a Mhorr's Gazelle and Rothschild's Giraffes. As well as these well known names, Barcelona zoo houses species which are seldom seen anywhere else, including the Greater Kudu, Siamangs (an arboreal gibbon) along with a number of Mangabeys, which are a type of Old World monkey.

The zoo houses various interesting bird species to thrill visitors, such as night herons, egrets and storks. However various other species get a fair showing, too, like the Majorcan midwife toad from the Tramuntana Mountains. There is a snake house that youngsters will stare into for hours at a time.

There is no shortage of the type of animals which zoo enthusiasts frequently travel a long way to find . Parc Zoologic Barcelona offers several Eurasian Otters, that are part of the zoo's active return-to-the-wild program. There is a Red Panda which is a huge favorite amongst zoo-goers of every age group. Moreover the pack of Iberian wolves, indigenous to Spain, continues to draw in a huge number of onlookers each and every year.

The zoo offers sanctuary a number of lowland gorillas, as well. Most famously of those was Snowflake, a quasi-albino gorilla, who was a resident for thirty years. Snowflake was not a genuine albino, because his eyes were blue, not pink. However his pelt was totally white, the only real known instance of this variation. Snowflake passed away in 2003, but several of his progeny are housed in the zoo and there is a sizable display featuring several videos of this intriguing animal.

Barcelona Zoo Dolphins with Trainer

Dolphins are another unusual feature of Barcelona Zoo. Marine animals do not usually make their way into zoos, typically being restricted to aquaria. Barcelona has one of those, too. Nevertheless there are a number of different species housed here, including Bottlenose Dolphins. They even play host to a killer whale, virtually an unheard of species to find in a zoo.

As well as the dolphins and killer whale, the zoo holds several semi-aquatic animals in the form of Humboldt Penguins. These wonderfully zany creatures fly underwater employing their flippers as wings, just like birds do through the considerably thinner fluid we all call air. Nevertheless the technique in each case is very similar and as entertaining to watch in the case of the penguins.

Parc Zoologic Barcelona is straightforward to get to. Simply take the metro to Ciutadella and Barcelona zoo is a short walk away. Once completed, experience many of the other sights offered by the Ciutadella Park.

Arc de Triomf Barcelona Spain

The Barcelona Arc de Triomf, although carrying the same name as its French cousin, is quite different from both an architectural and historical standpoint. The famous one in Paris was initiated by Napoleon to memorialize his victories whereas the Barcelona Arc de Triomf was erected for the 1888 Universal Exposition held at the Parc de la Ciutadella, where it served as the entrance to the event.

Although it shares the same large scale and general 'arch with horizontal lintel and vertical posts' look, this one is a bright orange brick that gives it a much less somber facade. The style is similar to Moorish designs, known as Mudejar, which is not surprising considering that the moors dominated Spain for centuries.

Barcelona Arc De Triomf

When compared with the French tourist attraction, the decorations around the Spanish structure are quite different as well. The exterior is festooned with stone carvings, including a frieze executed by the sculptor Josep Reynés. The charming work symbolizes the welcoming of visitors to Barcelona. On the opposite side, a stone carving called Recompense executed by Josep Llimona decorates the wall.

Along the horizontal sections above the arc, there are twelve statues of women representing various aspects of the city. It is accompanied by decorative elements symbolizing all the other provinces of Spain. At the top above the central figure, there is a beautifully crafted Coat of Arms, the official logo of Barcelona. Alongside the shield are two impressive looking lions. Those elements show an interesting mix and a deviation from Moorish influence, since Islamic art is decorative but contains no human or animal figures.

Nevertheless, the Moorish influence continues in the small minaret-style caps that adorn each of the integrated pillars on each side. Those are difficult to see from street level but careful observation will reveal outstanding carving around each small dome, capped by a stellar carved ball at the very top.

Located between Passeig de Lluís Companys and Passeig de Sant Joan, the Arc de Triomf is easy to find. Many popular hotels are located within a kilometer of the entrance to Ciutadella Park where the arch is located. It can be seen easily at the end of the wide promenade running in front of them.