The real essence of the city
Not only the main gateway to the city centre, but also the symbol of the Catalan pride, Plaza de Catalunya is one of the most significant places in Barcelona. Indeed, the square is located at the junction of three of the most important ways of the city: the Rambla, Passeig de Gracia and Avenida del Portal del Ángel, leading straight to the Cathedral. It also marks the separation between the old part of the city and the districts which were built during the 19th and 20th century expansion.
It was only in 1927, indeed, that the square was officially inaugurated, after more than 25 years of construction works. It now houses a series of interesting and graceful landmarks. The most recent of them (1991) is the monument dedicated to Francesc Macià, the first president of the Generalitat de Catalunya, representing an incomplete staircase (the symbol of the gradual construction of the future) resting on a solid pedestal (the glorious past of Catalonia). Although, the several sculptures and statues scattered spread out around its centre (among which La Diosa by Josep Clarà and El Pastor by Pablo Gargallo) are probably more fascinating. Right in the centre of the square, besides, a fine mosaic depicting a compass is placed.
Finally, Plaza de Catalunya is also one of the crucial points of the system of transport of the city: hidden under the harmony and elegance of the square, indeed, an important underground station puts in connection the urban subway system with the regional railroad lines. Of course...needless to say, Plaza de Catalunya is also surrounded but some of the most famous and crowded shops of Barcelona: on the southern side the celebrated (and always packed) Hard Rock Café is found, while on the opposite side the Apple store is located. Besides that, some of the most important financial companies of the city have their headquarters in the majestic buildings surrounding the square.
Last but not least, Plaza de Catalunya is also the usual setting for the public demonstration taking place in Barcelona. Both the most heated protests by the movement for independence and the more peaceful manifestation of that part of Catalans who are in favour of the permanence in the Spanish country usually happen there, not to mention the occupation by the indignados in recent years. To cut a long story short... Plaza de Catalunya is the real essence of Barcelona: missing it would be an unforgivable mistake.
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- Español: La verdadera esencia de la ciudad
Plaza de Catalunya
This square is worth seeing if you go to Barcelona, although I believe that you'll find it withotu looking, as it's on one of Barcelona's main streets.
You can get there from Gracia street, Cataluña boulevard, Pelayo street, to name a few.
It's Spain's biggest squares, and one of the most important places in Barcelona. It's surrounded by buildings, hotels, offices, shops an El Corte Inglés, bars, etc.
It has some medium-sized fountains, some sculptures, benches where you can sit, green spaces, and loads of pigeons.
Concerts, events and other celebrations also take place here.
It's also one of the most important places in Barcelona due to its location, it's also important due to its metro stop which can be found in the square and is one of the main lines, and is connected to many more lines than other stops.
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Content available in other languages
- Español: Plaza de Catalunya
- Italiano: Plaça de Catalunya
- Français: La place de Catalogne
- Polski: Plaça de Catalunya
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