Catalunya Square

Plaza Catalunya (Catalunya Square) has been constructed in the second half of the 19th century, following the city expansion project of Ildefons Cerdá. It divides the ancient Barcelona of narrow streets in the Gothic Quarter from the quadricular Barcelona of Eixample neighbourhood. It is the “heart” of the city and the crossing of important streets like Passeig de Gracia, Rambla Catalunya, Las Ramblas and Portal de l'Angel.

Due to its central situtation Plaza Catalunya rappresents a vital point of the city transport- it’s the strating and the finishing point for many tourist who use the Aerobús to the El Prat airport. The most important bus lines, two metro lines (L3 and L1), the RENFE and the FGC trains all have stops at this square.

The square is surrounded by some of the world famous shops, like El Corte Inglés (the biggest shopping centre chain in Spain) or the El Triangle shopping centre. El Portal del’Ángel is a pedestrian commercial street, that leads into the Gothic Quarter, ideal for a shopping day in the centre. If you are looking for more expensive and luxurious shops, then Passeig de Gracia is your place – an elegant and large street starting right at Plaza Catalunya.

The centre of the square is an important meeting point for the citizens and the tourists. Some of the most important historical events have taken place on it, like the announcement of Barcelona hosting the Olympics 1992, the New Year’s countdown or the famous demonstration against the war in Iraq.