Plaça Sant Jaume

Barcelona is on the center of the news for the last months. There is a political revolution happening there: the city is the capital of Catalunya independent region in Spain and there is a separatist movement rising there. 

In the last months the people have voted for the separation from the spanish government and also catalan parlament has begun a separatism movement. But Spain didn't like this and has taken away the independence of the region and arrested the catalan president. 

All of this episodes took place in Plaça Sant Jaume (or Saint Jaume square), in the center of Barcelona. That is the place where people gather to protest (either for independence or against it) because it is in front of the Catalan Parliament (also known as Palau de la Generalitat de Catalunya) and the Barcelona's town hall (or Casa de la Ciudad, in spanish).

Other political manifestations take place there, such as interventions for the release of political prisioners and the tribute to those who died during the spanish dictatorship. 

The square is named after a church that used to exist there until the 18th century, dedicated to Saint Jaume. After that, the place was renovated and the government buildings were made. 

Architecture

Besides this political issue, the square is also a really beautiful place. It is located in Barrio Gótico, a neighbourhood with many gothic buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries - such as Barcelona's cathedral, Santa Maria del Mar church and more. You can also find medieval constructions there, such as the remainings of an old wall that used to surround the city. 

It is a very beautiful place to visit in Barcelona. And it is really acessible, with subways every 7 blocks. The closest station to Plaça Sant Jaume is Jaume I, of line 1 subway.