Catalonia Square is Barcelona's city centre

Plaça de Catalunya in Barcelona, Catalonia Square in English, is a vast square created when the city walls were demolished in 1854. When we talk about the centre of Barcelona, we're talking about this square. It is - in fact - located at the convergence of several of the city's most important districts, such as Eixample, Raval  and the Gothic Quarter. So it's a geographical reference point for Catalans and tourists alike. The aerobus, for example - which links Barcelona airport to the city centre - drops you off or leaves from this square. It's also where the Hop-On Hop-Off bus stops.

Plaza Catalunya - Barcelona

For the people of Barcelona, it is more of a meeting point and a passageway between the different parts of the city.
For everyone, it's a place for shopping, with the square and its adjacent streets packed with brand-name shops, department stores, fashion boutiques and other popular names. The emblematic El Corte Inglés stands in one of its corners. But we could also mention El Triangle, Fnac, C&A, Zara and many other brands. It's also where you'll find the Barcelona Tourist Office, the start of the Ramblas that leads down to the sea, and the entrance to the Gotic quarter and its nearby cathedral.

Where is Catalonia Square  in Barcelona?

How do I get to Catalonia Square in Barcelona?

Catalonia Square is a hub for public transport in Barcelona.
Plaça de Catalunya is a hub for different modes of transport, including the metro. Plaça de Catalunya" is one of the busiest metro stations in the Catalan capital. It is a transfer station where several metro lines converge, making it easily accessible from different parts of the city.

The following metro lines serve Plaça de Catalunya:
Line L1 (Red): This line runs from Hospital de Bellvitge to Fondo, crossing the city from north to south. You can take this line to places like Arc de Triomf, Plaza Urquinaona, Marina, Plaça d'Espanya, etc.
Line L3 (Green): This line runs from Zona Universitària to Trinitat Nova. You can take this line to places such as Passeig de Gràcia, Diagonal, and Parc Güell.
Line L6 (Violette):  This line connects Sarrià to Plaça de Catalunya.
Line L7 (Brown):  This line runs from Plaça Catalunya to Av. Tibidabo. You can take this line to places like Avenida Diagonal and the Tibidabo theme park.

>> All information on Metro Barcelona

Plaça de Catalunya is also served by several Renfe suburban train lines and numerous bus routes:
Trains: R1, R3, R4, R7, Si and S2
Buses: 24, 55, 67, A1, A2, D50, H16, N1, N3, N4, N5, N6, N7, N8, N9, N11, N12, N15 and N28

History of Plaça de Catalunya

"Plaça de Catalunya" is the phrase to remember for anyone wishing to get around Barcelona. This lively square with its bars, restaurants, street performers, shops and even pigeons has a long history, of course.

Less than two centuries ago, this was an undeveloped area outside Barcelona's ancient fortifications. In the 1850s, the city of Barcelona decided to extend its territory beyond these fortifications and build a new central square. Work on the square began in 1860, under the direction of the Catalan architect Josep Fontserè. Its initial design was based on neoclassical ideas, with gardens and statues. Over the years, however, the square's appearance was changed several times. It was opened to the public in 1864. Major changes were made to the square for the 1888 Barcelona Universal Exhibition, which was held that year. The gardens were redesigned and fountains were added. This was followed by the construction of the Barcelona-Tarragona railway station in 1902 and the Plaça de Catalunya metro station in 1926.

Plaça de Catalunya - Barcelona

Today, the star-shaped square features a number of fountains that are refreshing in summer, including the Canaletes Fountain, statues and sculptures including the very cubic monument in honour of Francesc Macià, President of the Generalitat de Catalunya, a statue of the Woman (Estatua de Mujer)...

The Plaça de Catalunya is often the venue for cultural events, political demonstrations and celebrations such as concerts, parades and festivals.

Plaça de Catalunya - Barcelona

The Church of Betlem in Barcelona, whose official name is Church of "la Mare de Déu de Betlem", is known for its magnificent baroque façade and especially for the sculpture called Saint Ignatius of Loyola in conversation with Saint Francis Borgia. The interior of the church was unfortunately burnt down during the civil war of 1936. The church forms the heart of the buildings occupied by the Jesuits until their expulsion in 1767.

Located on Barcelona's Ramblas, just a stone's throw from the Liceu and the Virreina Place in the historic Raval district of the city centre, the Church of Betlem is an emblematic place to discover during your visit to the city.

The Betlem church was designed by the Catalan Baroque architect Josep Mas i Dordal in the 18th century on the site of the old church destroyed by fire in the 17th century. The church has undergone several modifications over the centuries, including the addition of a sacristy and a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Montserrat. 

Iglesia de Betlém

The remarkable front door of the church in Betlem

The entrance door of the Betlem church is a remarkable architectural element that bears witness to the richness and sophistication of Catalan Baroque art.

The door is located on the main façade of the church, which faces Carrer del Carme. It is surmounted by a triangular pediment decorated with relief sculptures depicting biblical scenes, such as the nativity of Christ or the adoration of the Magi, and Saint Ignatius of Loyola is in conversation with Saint Francis Borgia. The pediment is surmounted by a wrought iron cross, which symbolises the Christian faith.

The door itself is also richly decorated, with geometric and floral motifs in relief running across the surface. The door leaves are made of solid wood, carved in a baroque style that reflects the Italian influence on Catalan art at the time.

What to see in Betlem Church?

The interior of the church is remarkable for its Baroque decoration, with renowned frescoes and sculptures. Upon entering the church, one is immediately struck by the height of the central nave, which is lined with white marble Corinthian columns and colourful murals depicting religious scenes. The vaults of the nave are decorated with paintings and stucco sculptures, which add to the impression of grandeur and majesty.

The choir, located at the end of the nave, is topped by a domed ceiling, which is decorated with frescoes depicting the apostles. The walls of the choir are also richly decorated with sculptures and stucco reliefs depicting biblical scenes.

In the side chapels of the church there are remarkable works of art, including Baroque altarpieces and polychrome wooden sculptures of saints and angels. The chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Montserrat is particularly impressive, with its white marble altar and richly decorated altarpiece.

The Betlem church also houses a collection of valuable works of art, including paintings, sculptures and liturgical objects, which testify to the richness of the Catalan artistic tradition. The site is also known for hosting major religious events, such as the Holy Week processions.

To fully enjoy your visit, we recommend that you take the time to soak up the serene atmosphere of the church, admiring the architectural details and works of art. A place appreciated by all visitors according to the many online comments. We highly recommend a visit.

The Virreina Palace, an architectural wonder not to be missed during your visit to Barcelona. Located on the Ramblas in the historic district of El Raval, right next to the Boqueria Market, this palace is a jewel of Barcelona's heritage. It was the viceroy of Peru who occupied the Virreina Palace after the death of her husband, hence its name. This eighteenth-century palace is now the headquarters of the cultural space of the Barcelona City Council and serves as a setting for temporary exhibitions.

To get there by public transport, you can take metro line 3 (Liceu), buses 14, 59, 91 and N9, as well as streetcar lines T1, T2 and T3, stop Rambla del Raval.

What to see at the Virreina Palace?

Built in the eighteenth century by the architect Manuel d'Amat i Junient, the Virreina Palace was originally a residence for the aristocrats of Barcelona. Today, it hosts the "Centre de la Imatge" for temporary exhibitions mainly of photography, concerts and cultural events.

The interest of this place lies in its remarkable architecture, with a neoclassical facade decorated with sculptures of Roman and Greek deities. Inside, visitors will appreciate the magnificent baroque frescoes.

The long history of the Virreina Palace

The Palace of Virreina has a fascinating history. Over the years it has had many different owners and uses. In the twentieth century it was transformed into a cinema and then into a cultural center. Since 1994, it has been listed as a cultural heritage site by the city of Barcelona and was renovated in 2007 to preserve its original charm.

Our advice: For a successful visit, we recommend taking an audio guide that will allow you to learn more about the history of this magnificent place.

>> Although it is not well known to the general public, the visitors who had the chance to discover the Virreina Palace were all charmed by the architecture and the history of the place. They emphasized the excellent quality of the exhibits and the beauty of the baroque frescoes.

La Boqueria Market, one of the oldest markets in Barcelona, is no longer in the news, its name being mentioned as early as 1217. Criticized by some for being too crowded, adulated by others for the quality of its products and its small bars. It remains a must on Las Ramblas, a stone's throw from the Liceu and the Plaça de Catalunya.

 

Boqueria Market - Barcelona

The entrance porch, with its Art Nouveau stained glass window, is already an invitation to a gourmet journey. A dream that becomes reality in front of all the colourful stalls presented with great care by the many shopkeepers proud of their stands.

A visit to La Boqueria in video:

What can you find in La Boqueria? 

You can find everything in La Boqueria: fish, meat, sausages, spices, cheese, vegetables, fruit and fruit juices, pastries, flowers... Fresh and local products that appeal to restaurateurs and locals alike. Many Catalans come here to do their daily shopping. Even more people come to have breakfast or lunch because there are many restaurants, cafés, and tapas bars that have been established in La Boqueria for a long time (a dozen bars for example).

>> In total, La Boqueria has more than 300 stands. With its surface area of 2583 m², it is the largest market in Catalonia.

Tip: If you're travelling light, we suggest you simply buy some chillies, Jabugo, chorizo and a few pieces of cheese before you leave.

If you are hungry, take a break at El Quim bar, our favourite tapas bar.

What does Boqueria mean?

Boqueria (also known as La Boqueria) is the term for this market whose official name is "Mercat de Sant Josep". The name "Boqueria" is derived from the Catalan word "boc", which means "goat", and refers to the area where the market was originally established in the 13th century as a place for goat traders.

The history La Boqueria market

The first mention of La Boqueria market in Barcelona dates from 1217, when tables were set up near the old city gate to sell meat. From December 1470 onwards, a market for the sale of pigs was held there. At that time, the market was called Mercat Bornet or (until 1794) simply known as Mercat de la Palla (Straw Market).

In the beginning, the market was not fenced in and had no official status; it was considered to be a simple extension of the Plaça Nova market, which then extended to the Plaça del Pi.
Later, the authorities decided to build a separate market on the Rambla, housing mainly fishmongers and butchers. It was not until 1826 that the market was legally recognised and a convention held in 1835 decided to build an official square.
Work began on 19 March 1840 under the direction of the architect Mas Vilà. The market was officially opened the same year, but the plans for the building were modified several times. The official inauguration of the structure finally took place in 1853. In 1911 the new fish market was opened and in 1914 the metal roof that still exists today was built.

>>> Do you have a sweet tooth? Find all the markets in Barcelona

The Gran Teatro del Liceu is one of the most beautiful and prestigious opera houses in Europe. Located in the heart of Barcelona, it is a must for lovers of music and opera. To be able to attend a performance in this magnificent setting is a great moment in the life of a music lover. A programme worthy of the place.

Liceu de Barcelona

The Grand Théâtre du Liceu is located in the historic district of El Raval, on the famous Rambla de Barcelona and the no less famous Boqueria market.

It is easily accessible by public transport: metro (L3 - Liceu stop) and by bus V13 - 59 as indicated at the bottom of the page.

The Grand Théâtre du Liceu is a true architectural masterpiece. 

Founded in 1847, it is one of the oldest opera houses in Europe. It is renowned for its large auditorium, impressive stage and magnificent decoration. The audience is immersed in a unique atmosphere, where glamour and elegance are omnipresent. 

Liceu de Barcelona

The Liceu - as it is simply called - is mainly dedicated to the performance of operas, but it also hosts concerts of classical music, ballet and contemporary dance. The Liceu's programme is very varied and includes classical works from the repertoire, as well as contemporary creations and original productions. Among the most frequently performed operas at the Liceu are Verdi's "La Traviata", Bizet's "Carmen", Mozart's "Don Giovanni" and Puccini's "Tosca". The theatre also hosts internationally renowned artists, orchestras and dance companies for exceptional concerts and performances.

The Grand Théâtre du Liceu has a long and rich history. 

It was inaugurated in 1847 and has undergone many changes and renovations over the years.

Built on the remains of a convent, the great Liceu theatre has had a tragic fate apart from its opera stage: it burned down in 1861, rose from the ashes in 1862, fell victim to an anarchist attack in 1893 and burned again in 1994. It was inaugurated for a third time in 1999 and has since retained its original character. The Liceu has a capacity of 2292 spectators.

Anecdotes: Did you know that the Gran Teatro del Liceu was the first opera house in Europe to project subtitles onto a screen? This was introduced in 1984 to help foreign audiences understand the words of the singers.

It is important to know that performances at the Gran Teatro del Liceu in Barcelona are usually given in Spanish or Catalan, the two official languages of the region.

In addition, the Liceu has been the venue for several world premieres, including Georges Bizet's opera "Carmen" in 1875.

Visiting tips: Guided tours are organised to discover the backstage and the history of this emblematic place of the city. Visitors have the opportunity to discover the main rooms, the artists' areas, the stage and the costume and set workshops. Tours are available in several languages and last approximately one hour. Tickets for the tours can be purchased directly from the theatre's website or on-site at the box office. We advise you to book in advance as places are limited.

Just off the Rambla, you can find the Plaza Real, one of the places with most tradition and interest around the city. It was erected in mid of the 19th Century, it has a fine arcade, palm trees and lamps designed by Gaudi. It is an interesting square ideal to relx and enjoy a coffee in one of the many cafes. On Sunday mornings there is a stamp and coin market.

There are some nice clubs in this place! ;)

Opposite the statue Christopher Columbus, in the bottom of Ramblas, the maritime museum is one of the most imaginative museum of the city and one of the most visited too. Installed in the royal arsenals- date from 1378 and are the biggest and most complete Medieval dockyards in the world- it exposes animated presentations and houses a big exhibition including model ships, drawings, replicas, paintings, figureheads and an interactive exhibition, "The Great Adventure of the Sea".

Articket: Art Passport Card for 6 Art Museums in Barcelona