At the gates of Roman Barcelona
Plaça Nova Barcelona: Roman Wall and Cathedral
Plaça Nova is one of the best places to see how the different eras of Barcelona overlap. In front of the Cathedral, you can find the towers of the Roman wall, one of the ancient gates of Barcino, a fragment of an aqueduct, as well as friezes designed by Pablo Picasso and the word Barcino imagined by Joan Brossa.
At a Glance
Plaça Nova at a Glance
| Name | Plaça Nova |
|---|---|
| Type | Historic site |
| Neighborhood | Gothic Quarter, Ciutat Vella |
| Address | Plaça Nova, 08002 Barcelona |
| Access | Free, 24/7 |
| Origins of the Square | 1358 |
| Must-See | Roman wall, Barcino gate, aqueduct, Cathedral, Picasso friezes |
| Contemporary Art | Visual poem Barcino by Joan Brossa |
| Duration | 20 to 30 minutes |
| Metro | L4 Jaume I |
| Nearby | Cathedral, Plaça del Rei, Plaça Sant Jaume |
| Good to Know | One of the best spots to observe Roman ruins in the open air |
Not to Be Missed
What to See at Plaça Nova?
© Enric, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Roman Wall and Gate
Plaça Nova preserves one of the ancient entrances to the Roman city of Barcino.
Two large semi-circular towers still flank this monumental gate today. They provide a clear view of the city's old defensive system.
© Robot8A, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Ancient Aqueduct of Barcino
Next to the Casa de l’Ardiaca, a reconstructed fragment serves as a reminder of the aqueducts that brought water to the Roman city.
The two aqueducts of Barcino arrived precisely at the current Plaça Nova.
© Barcelona.com
The Barcelona Cathedral
Plaça Nova opens directly onto the monumental space of the Barcelona Cathedral.
The proximity between the Gothic façade and the Roman remains is precisely what makes this area so spectacular.
© Josep Bracons, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Picasso's Friezes
On the façade of the Col·legi d’Arquitectes de Catalunya, several large friezes were designed by Pablo Picasso and then created by the Norwegian artist Carl Nesjar.
They notably depict children, giants, and various motifs related to Catalan popular culture.
Don't just cross the square on your way to the Cathedral. First, take a look at the Roman towers, then the aqueduct, and finish with Picasso's friezes.
In just a few meters, you transition from Roman Barcelona to the medieval city and then to 20th-century art. This is precisely what makes Plaça Nova so fascinating.
A Tradition Since 1589
The Sant Roc Festival of Plaça Nova
Plaça Nova is also known for hosting the Festes de Sant Roc, considered the oldest street festival still celebrated in Barcelona.
The tradition dates back to 1589, when the neighborhood's residents began celebrating Sant Roc after a plague epidemic.
Every year around August 16, the square comes alive with its history through giants, sardanas, parades, and popular traditions.
Among the iconic figures are Roc and Laia, the old giants of Sant Roc de Plaça Nova, created in 1906.
© Enric, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Plaça Nova - The Festivities of Sant Roc
A Bit of History
History of Plaça Nova
The name Plaça Nova literally means "New Square". It dates back to the 14th century when the space in front of the old Roman gate was cleared and developed. The square was completed in 1358 and has borne this name ever since.
At that time, it notably hosted the mercat de la Palla, the straw market, and quickly became a hub of commerce and daily life at the city's gates.
This trading tradition is still visible today with the Mercat Gòtic d’Antiguitats, a market of second-hand dealers and antique sellers regularly organized around Plaça Nova and the Cathedral.
In the 20th century, the area was redeveloped to better highlight the Roman remains and the monumental ensemble around the Cathedral.
In the Gothic Quarter
Explore the area around Plaça Nova
Plaça Nova is one of the main gateways to the Gothic Quarter.
From the square, you can quickly reach the Cathedral, Plaça del Rei, Plaça Sant Jaume, and the narrow medieval streets of the historic center.
Explore the Squares
Other Beautiful Squares in Barcelona
Plaça Nova is one of the most fascinating spots for understanding the origins of the city. Other squares in the center tell the story of medieval, political, or more lively Barcelona.
Nearby
What to see around Plaça Nova?
Around Plaça Nova, many of the main monuments of Barcelona and historic squares of the Gothic Quarter can be explored on foot.
© Barcelona.com
Barcelona Cathedral
The Cathedral immediately overlooks Plaça Nova and is the main monument in the area.
© Alex Gompons, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Plaça del Rei
A few minutes away, Plaça del Rei allows you to continue exploring medieval Barcelona and access the archaeological route of the MUHBA.
© Barcelona.com
Plaça Sant Jaume
A little further on, Plaça Sant Jaume brings together the City Hall and the Palau de la Generalitat, the political heart of Barcelona.
FAQ
FAQ - Plaça Nova in Barcelona
It is best known for its Roman towers, the ancient gate of Barcino, the immediate proximity to the Cathedral, and the Picasso friezes.
Yes. The towers, the wall, and the aqueduct visible on Plaça Nova can be freely explored from the public space.
They are located on the façades of the Col·legi d’Arquitectes de Catalunya, right on Plaça Nova.
The Jaume I station on line L4 is the closest. Plaça Nova is then just a few minutes' walk away.