Review: Cascada Monumental

Tell me: What’s this place all about?
Tucked inside the Passeig de Pujades entrance of Parc de la Ciutadella, Barcelona’s haven-like city park, there’s one thing you’ve probably never heard Gaudí’s name connected to: a waterfall. Forget the mosaics and the impossibly elaborate church; back in the late 1870s, Gaudí was a student renowned for calculus (an altogether less sexy skill). Still, it earned him his break. While working in the studio of craftsman Josep Fontserè, Gaudí corrected a task that had been given to another student—designing the water tank and hydraulics for a grand new city fountain called Cascada Monumental.

How is the design more or less like Gaudí's other work?
Although Gaudí’s role was largely behind the scenes (apart from two stone medallions with lizards in the upper section) Cascada Monumental is a beauty. Loosely modeled on Rome’s Trevi Fountain, Fontserè collaborated with more than 10 Catalan artists to create an energetic display of waterspouts and stone-carved clams and dragons. The true camera-grabber is a blingy gold sculpture of Aurora (who represents dawn in Roman mythology) riding four horses. It’s thought to symbolize light and freedom.

Who comes here?
The fountain will stop you in your tracks, whether you’re a sightseer passing through or a family headed for the boating lake nearby. Few people know about Gaudí’s involvement though—it's definitely a factoid to casually (read: smugly) slip into conversation.

Did it meet expectations?
It’s stunning, even if Gaudí’s contributions aren’t exactly the scene-stealers. Selfie with a water tank, anyone?

So, then, what, or who, do you think it’s best for?
Everyone should stop and admire the waterfall. Parc de la Ciutadella is one of the city’s most relaxing and picturesque attractions—plus, it’s free. And there's a zoo nearby.