Placa d'Espanya
About
Plaça d’Espanya is one of Barcelona’s most celebrated public squares, born out of the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition and designed by landscape architect Josep Amargós. The square sits at the intersection of Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, Avinguda del Paral·lel, and Carrer de la Creu Coberta, and serves as a hub that links the city to its surrounding neighborhoods and the iconic Montjuïc hill. From the square you can access the Palau Nacional – home of the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC) – and the historic Arenas de Barcelona, the former bullring now turned upscale shopping centre. What makes Plaça d’Espanya a must‑visit is the blend of architectural beauty, vibrant public art and recreational attractions. The sloping streets are framed by elegant neo‑Moorish façades, glass‑roofed pavilions, and the International Exposition’s architectural remnants such as the Venetian Towers. At the heart of the square stands the spectacular Magic Fountain, an icon of Barcelona’s nightlife that performs choreographed light, water and music shows. Beyond the square itself, a wealth of experiences await: the MNAC offers an extensive collection of Catalan art from Romanesque to modernism; the Arenas hosts concerts, fashion shows and gourmet dining; the nearby Parc de l’Esplanada and the old bullring gardens provide leisure spaces for families. With its central location and multi‑faceted attractions, Plaça d’Espanya captures the spirit of Barcelona’s past and present, making it a key stop for any visitor’s itinerary.
Highlights
- Venetian Towers
- Magic Fountain
- Arenas de Barcelona
- Palau Nacional
- MNAC Curtain Walls