Surrounded by large commercial buildings, Plaça Catalunya is undoubtedly the heart of Barcelona. It is the city’s most central location, where important avenues such as La Rambla, Passeig de Gràcia, Rambla de Catalunya, Ronda de la Universitat, Ronda de Sant Pere, Pelai Street, and Portal de l’Àngel Avenue all begin. The latter is Barcelona’s main shopping artery and was once one of the gates in the old city walls.

The square, which today covers five hectares, occupies what was once an open esplanade outside the city walls, directly in front of one of the main entrances to the city. Its location made it the connection point between Barcelona and nearby towns, making it the ideal place for numerous open-air markets to flourish and turning the area into an important center of urban life.

The current square, inaugurated by King Alfonso XIII in 1927, is considered the center of Barcelona and the Kilometer 0 of Catalonia. For this reason, it is the starting and ending point for most of the city’s urban bus lines and many intercity buses. It also features a metro station, a Renfe commuter rail station, and a station for the Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya.

The square is also known for the various sculptures by renowned artists displayed around its perimeter, including The Goddess by Josep Clarà, Barcelona by Frederic Marès, and The Shepherd by Pablo Gargallo, as well as works by Josep Llimona and Enrique Casanovas. Special mention should be made of the much more recent monument to Francesc Macià by Josep Maria Subirachs.

The large central area of the square also hosts numerous concerts and public celebrations, as well as temporary events such as exhibitions and competitions.