Everything you need to know for your visit to Plaza España

Plaza España spans over 300,000 m², making it the second-largest square named Plaza España in the world, after Madrid’s. Its layout was designed to connect key areas of the city, with major avenues like Gran Via, Paral·lel, and Reina Maria Cristina converging here. The square’s design drew inspiration from Baroque architecture, particularly St Peter’s Square in the Vatican, designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. However, it incorporates elements that pay homage to both Spain and Catalonia.

At the centre of the square stands the Fountain of the Three Seas, designed by Josep Maria Jujol. This fountain symbolises the three rivers that flow into the Iberian Peninsula’s seas: the Ebro, Guadalquivir, and Tagus. The columns of the fountain feature figures representing Spanish themes related to religion, heroism, and the arts.

One of the most iconic landmarks of Plaza España is Las Arenas Shopping Centre, a former Neo-Mudéjar-style bullring. Built in 1900, it functioned as a bullring until 1977. After decades of disuse, renovations began in 2007 to transform it into a shopping centre, which opened in 2011 under the name Las Arenas. With over 30,000 m² of shops, restaurants, cinemas, and a panoramic terrace offering stunning views of the city, the building retains its original façade, showcasing red and green hues inspired by Islamic and Andalusian art, while the interior has been adapted for its new commercial purpose.

Towards Avenida Reina Maria Cristina, visitors will find two architectural highlights: the Venetian Towers, designed by Ramon Reventós. These towers, inspired by Venice’s St Mark’s Campanile, were built to resemble grand bell towers.

Passing through the towers leads to spaces like Fira de Barcelona, which hosts events throughout the year, including the Mobile World Congress, the International Motor Show, and the Manga Fair.

Between Plaza España and the Palau Nacional lies what is known as the Axis of the 1929 Exhibition. This includes the fountain of Plaza España, the statues along Avenida Maria Cristina, the Magic Fountain, and the Four Columns.

The Magic Fountain of Montjuïc is one of Barcelona’s most popular attractions. On special evenings, it lights up in vibrant colours and presents spectacular water and music shows.

Between the Magic Fountain and the MNAC, visitors will find the Four Columns of Montjuïc, designed by Puig i Cadafalch. These Ionic columns, built in 1919, represent the four red bars of the Catalan flag. Originally located where the Magic Fountain stands today, they were demolished in 1928 during Primo de Rivera’s dictatorship and rebuilt in 2010 slightly further up.

Above the fountain, the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC) is housed in the Palau Nacional. This museum features an extensive collection of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and modern art, as well as offering breathtaking views of the city.

Plaza España is not just a convergence point for major avenues. Its rich history, impressive architecture, and the many attractions surrounding it make it one of Barcelona’s greatest treasures. From its creation in the early 20th century to its modern role as a commercial and tourist hub, Plaza España remains an ideal destination for both visitors and locals alike.