Placa de la Independencia

About

Plaça de la Independència is one of Girona’s most iconic public squares. Situated in the Mercadal district at the heart of the old city, the square commemorates the city’s defenders during the 1808–1814 War of Spanish Independence. Surrounded by austere neoclassical façades, the square retains its 19th‑century layout while serving as a vibrant social hub for locals and visitors alike. Today the plaza is lined with cafés, restaurants, and historic establishments such as Café Royal, Cinema Albéniz, and Casa Marieta, making it a popular gathering place for both tourists and residents. The neoclassical stone buildings and the statues that guard the entrance celebrate Girona’s role in the Peninsular War, offering a tangible link to the city’s storied past. Visitors to Plaça de la Independència can stroll through its wide, level square, enjoy the historic arcades, and learn about the city's resistance to Napoleonic forces. The plaza is free to enter, making it an accessible and memorable stop on any culinary or cultural walking tour of Girona.