Umbracle

The Parc de la Ciutadella is one of Barcelona's iconic sights. It's home to some of the city's most unusual buildings, such as the Museu Martorell, the glasshouse, the Hivernacle, the Castell dels Tres Dragons and the Umbracle. The latter was designed to recreate the climatic conditions of shady, humid forests, making it possible for tropical and subtropical plants to thrive.

The project for the Umbracle was begun by Josep Fontserè in 1883. Nevertheless, work was halted for the 1888 Barcelona Universal Exhibition, and the building was used as a reception and lecture hall. After the exhibition closed, the original project was resumed and Josep Amargós i Samaranch was put in charge of finishing the building.

The structure of the Umbracle consists of cast-iron columns and curved iron roof beams. The three roofs, with their five arches, create a play of light and shade that is perfect for non-native species to grow.

Inside the Umbracle there is a central parterre with a path around it. There is also a series of benches arranged so you can admire the different plant species, including fig trees, hydrangeas, kentia palms, arecaceae, gardenias, elephant's ears, Adam's rib plants, carnauba palms and yellow jasmines.

If you're planning on visiting the Parc de la Ciutadella, don't forget to see the Umbracle. The interior is currently closed but it's well worth a look just for its impressive external structure.