Plaza Catalunya (Barcelona): history, attractions

Amazing Barcelona, ​​famous monumentswhich breathe history, strikes the imagination of all travelers always filled with people famous square, located at the intersection of the 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

Plaza Catalunya (Barcelona) is on the sitea former wasteland adjacent to the city walls. The authorities in Madrid, concerned about the improvement of the vast territory, are making a decision to build a new district. 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 the modern equipped territory.

In the middle of the XIX century, designprojects that are most suitable for the central square and the new quarter of the city. By 1888, acquired the main image, known to every tourist, the huge square of Catalonia. By that time, Barcelona was preparing for the World Exhibition, emphasizing the special status of the capital of an important region of the country and the beginning of its cultural revival.

Therefore, the importance of building the heart of the city. It is known that in the last century it underwent several restorations, and in 1929 a metro appeared next to the square.

How to find the heart of Barcelona?

Plaza Catalunya (Barcelona) on the map findvery easy: it is located in the heart of the largest Spanish city, and from it come two ancient streets - the famous Boulevard Rambla and the fashionable avenue of the Passage de Gracia. Get here, even a tourist who got to the capital of Catalonia for the first time, because the square is the intersection of almost all the routes of urban transport, and through it there are three subway lines.

Historic Landmark

What is known to everyonea lover of shopping in Plaza Catalunya? Barcelona is not in vain proud of the historic landmark impressive size. The most famous monument, created in 1991, is set in honor of Frances Macia - a man who proclaimed the independence of the autonomous region of Spain and was killed at the beginning of the last century. A granite monument consists of huge blocks, reminiscent of the tragic fate of the former president of Catalonia.

It seems that the impressive territory on the square is framed very chaotically: the sculptural groups alternate with luxurious fountains, working alongside large shopping centers and restaurants.

Sculptural compositions

Around the historical place of the statuesymbolize the four provinces that are part of Catalonia. Sculpture of a woman, sitting proudly on a horse, depicts Barcelona, ​​and the statue of a strong man leading the bridle of a horse - the god of Mercury trade. No wonder that his figure put on a lively square filled with boutiques, the most famous of which is the nine-story department store in which, in the opinion of tourists, you can buy everything.

Information Tourist Center

Plaza Catalunya (Barcelona) will not let you get lostnot a single foreigner. It is here that the information office for tourism is located, where you can buy discount cards to visit many of the city's attractions.

In addition, all travelers are illoriented in a busy metropolis, will help you to sell in the center a detailed map depicting all the main tourist routes of ancient Barcelona. Plaza Catalunya, a photo of which conveys architectural beauty and majesty, is a favorite place not only for arriving travelers, but also for local residents, resting on cozy benches and appointing here business and romantic meetings.

Memorable by the special atmosphere of the crowded heart of Barcelona connects the old and new districts of the capital of Catalonia, being for many respectable citizens the main place of all life.