Amazing Barcelona, whose famous monuments breathe history, amazes the imagination of all travelers with the famous square always filled with people, located at the intersection of two parts of the city. Plaça de Catalunya is the lively main center of the capital of Catalonia and a favorite meeting place for all locals.
Arrangement of the city center
Plaça Catalunya (Barcelona) is located on the site of a former wasteland adjacent to the city walls. The authorities located in Madrid, concerned about the improvement of the vast territory, decide to build a new area. The ancient walls were demolished, and all architectural projects for a long time could not find approval from the inhabitants of Barcelona, who wanted to see a modern equipped area.
In the middle of the XIX century, design projects were selected that were most suitable for the central square and the new quarter of the city. By 1888, it acquired the main look known to every tourist, the giant square of Catalonia. Barcelona by that time was in full swing preparing for the World Exhibition, which emphasized the special status of the capital of an important region of the country and became the beginning of its cultural revival.
Therefore, the arrangement of the heart of the city was given great importance. It is known that in the last century it underwent several restorations, and in 1929 the metro appeared near the square.
How to find the heart of Barcelona?
Plaça Catalunya (Barcelona) is very easy to find on the map: it is located in the very center of the largest Spanish city, and from it come two old streets - the famous Rambla and the fashionable Passage de Grazia. Even a tourist who first got to the capital of Catalonia will be able to get here, because the square is the intersection of almost all public transport routes, and three metro lines pass through it.
Historical attraction
What is the area of Catalonia known to every shopping enthusiast? Barcelona is not in vain proud of a historic landmark of impressive size. The most famous monument, created in 1991, is erected in honor of Francesca Masia, the man who proclaimed the independence of the autonomous region of Spain and was killed at the beginning of the last century. The granite monument consists of huge boulders reminiscent of the tragic fate of the former president of Catalonia.
It seems that the impressive territory on the square is framed very chaotically: sculptural groups interspersed with luxurious fountains that work next to large shopping centers and restaurants.
Sculptural compositions
The statues located around the historic site symbolize the four provinces that make up Catalonia. The sculpture of a woman proudly riding a horse depicts Barcelona, and the statue of a strong man, leading under the bridle of a horse, depicts the god of trade Mercury. It is not surprising that it was his figure that was placed on a busy square filled with boutiques, the most famous of which is a nine-story department store, in which, according to tourists, you can buy everything.
Tourist Information Center
Plaza Catalunya (Barcelona) will not let any foreigner get lost. It is here that the tourism information office is located, where you can purchase discount cards for visiting many of the city's attractions.
In addition, all travelers who are poorly guided in a busy metropolis will be helped by a detailed map sold in the center, which shows ancient Barcelona with all the main tourist routes. Plaça Catalunya, whose photo conveys architectural beauty and grandeur, is a favorite place not only for travelers who arrived, but also for locals relaxing on cozy benches and making business and romantic meetings here.
The crowded heart of Barcelona, memorable by its special atmosphere, connects the old and new areas of the capital of Catalonia, being for many venerable citizens the main place of all life.