Plaza Circular

La Plaza Circular (The Circular Square of Murcia), also known as "La Redonda, is one of the most important squares in Murcia. It is practically in the center, and almost all the important streets in the city link to this place.

The square is pedestrianized in the center, and vehicles circulate around the perimeter of it. In the middle part, there's a fountain and a few years ago, started lighting up at night which makes it look like the jets of water released are coloured. What I love about the lighting, is that it makes it resemble something you'd see in one of the more important cities, whereas before they started illuminating it, it seemed much more mundane. There are several benches to sit on, as well as greenery, a bar and a playground with swings and other attractions (although it's quite small).

The bar is called Kiosco bar La Redonda, and it's situated in the pedestrianised part of the plaza. It has a modern and new look, and during sunny days attracts a lot of customers, as it's a very nice place to enjoy a beer, the sun and the scenery.

The Murcia tram stops a few meters away, passing by Plaza Circular. Due to the changes that had to be made in order to install the tram, the square itself changed, especially when it comes to the zone through which vehicles drive. They have also built a bike lane that runs through here. Thanks to the installation, I think they have taken good care of the Circular Square. In addition to this, there are several bus stops which almost all the bus lines pass through.

On the other hand, Plaza Circular is famous for its various important buildings, such as restaurants and supermarkets. The most important ones you can find there are:

• The Post Office: this is the main one in Murcia. It was modernised a few years ago and the service is generally fast (although it does depend on the time you go). The opening hours are from 8:30 until 20:30 during the week, and from 9:30 until 13:00 on Saturdays.
• Colegio San Buenaventura e Iglesia San Francisco de Asís, better known as Capuchinos.
• Mercadona: one of the better known Mercadonas, plus is has two doors through which you can enter, one from Plaza Ciruclar, and the other from Marqués de los Vélez street.



• Maite: is a sweet shop, and they have several establishments in Murcia. The one in the Plaza has been here for only a short time, but because of its central location it has a lot of customers. In addition to being a sweet shop, they have bar service and terrace seating.



• Central Water Office of Murcia (EMUASA): it is an old building, and at Christmas they light it up, and it's pretty.

In the week of the Spring Festivities in Murcia, in Plaza Circular, you will find several stalls. The one that I know the best, which I recommend, is the 'Peña El Pimentón', located right in in front of the Mercadona doors.

For those of you who are exchange students or Erasmus students, this is an area frequented by other students, due to its strategic location, above all because it's in the Vista Alegre area.

By the way, if there is an important football match or an event that has to be celebrated, many people go to the fountain in the Plaza Circular and celebrate along with other people, or even jump into the fountain. You have to undoubtedly take care because many people end up gathering in a small space, and many of them will have drunk alcohol, and accidents do happen, although they are uncommon. Generally you go there, have fun, see people you know or make friends with someone in the midst of the party, all which makes for an unforgettable night. I have been there several times, especially in my earlier years of working, but the event I remember the most is that of the celebration of the Eurocup that the Spanish Team won in 2008, along with the World Cup which the Spanish Team won in 2010 - that was brutal.