Plaça de Catalunya - Plaça de Catalunya information and pictures



Plaça de Catalunya: The Heart of Barcelona

The massive Plaça de Catalunya, located in the heart of Barcelona at the junction of Las Ramblas and the Eixample districts, is a major transportation center where numerous subway stations, tour buses and a train station converge. The Barcelona Tourist Information center is located underneath the plaza. Many tourists arrive at this plaza direct from the airport. Designed in 1925 by modernist architect, Puig i Cadafalch, known for his contribution to the famous “block of discord,” the Plaça de Catalunya is a lovely early 20th century square lined with 19th century buildings.

Fountains and Monuments - The plaza is designed with park benches, pretty fountains, reflecting pools, and numerous neo-classical monuments and pieces of sculpture. Of particular note is the ivory colored, La Deessa, or the goddess statue by Josep Clarà, which depicts a nude woman bathing. This lovely sculpture sits on the edge of a peaceful reflecting pool. Additional sculptures by Josep Llimona and Pablo Gargallo adorn the square.

The newest addition is a modern concrete monument dedicated to Francesc Macià, the former Catalan president designed by Josep Subirachs, the current Sagrada Familia architect. This futuristic monument was added in 1991.

Shopping and Cafes - One of the most popular attractions near the Plaça de Catalunya is the El Corte Inglés, a popular Spanish department store. El Corte Inglés offer nine floors of all manner of Spanish made consumer goods, including a supermarket and a café on the top floor overlooking the plaza below. After a bit of retail therapy, take some refreshment at the café for a wonderful view of the heart of Barcelona.

Additional cafes lining the plaza include a Hard Rock Café and the very popular Café Zurich in a newly renovated building. The Café Zurich, is crowded day and night by patrons enjoying un café and a pastry or a glass of wine, and watching the mass of humanity pass by the Plaça de Catalunya.
Plaça de Catalunya Barcelona
Where is Plaça de Catalunya: Junction of Las Ramblas and the Eixample districts

How to get to Plaça de Catalunya: By Subway – Line 1,3 to Catalunya station





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