The Castell dels Tres Dragons is a modernista building within the Parc de la Ciutadella and home to one of the Museum of Natural Sciences’ sites. Designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner as the main restaurant for the 1888 Barcelona Universal Exhibition, it is now dedicated to the wonders of science. With its towers, exposed brickwork and colourful ceramic details, the castle-like silhouette seems lifted straight from the pages of a fantasy novel. Domènech i Montaner’s vision seamlessly combined beauty with practicality, creating a building full of character and symbolism that has stood the test of time without losing its charm.
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Domènech i Montaner abandoned the project before its completion due to disagreements during the construction phase. Another architect finished it under tight deadlines, after the Exhibition had already opened.
Take a closer look at the ornamental details: the dragons not only give the building its name, but also symbolically guard the entrance to the park, as if watching over the city.
The interior is not open to visitors, except for the scientific geology consultation room. Even so, it is well worth walking around its silhouette among the trees, especially at sunset.
