Placa Reial

The Placa Reial or Royal Plaza is the most iconic square in the Gothic neighborhood next to La Rambla. A popular meeting place for everyone in the city and a bustling night hang-out for many locals and tourists. It was created at the beginning of the 19th century when a series of old buildings, among them the convent of the religious order of the Capuchin was burned to the ground. It was then decided to create a sumptuous square in the manner of typical Spanish squares of the time and dedication to the Spanish king whose statue would be placed at the center of it.

Placa Reial https://pixabay.com/photos/barcelona-placa-spring-fountain-2450156/https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Pla%C3%A7a_Reial#/media/File:Barcelona_(4729761810).jpg

Placa Reial never did see the statue of the Spanish king which was probably not a good idea in the first place due to the long-time fervor for the independence of most Catalonians. Instead, the fountain of the “Tres Gracies” (three Graces),  designed by Antoni Rovira I Trias was placed in the center of it and two imposing lanterns designed by young Gaudi, the only work he ever did for the city council were also added and remain up to this day on the two sides of the fountain.

Surrounded by elegant & symmetrical neoclassical buildings with porticoes give the visitor the feel of order spoiled purposely by the huge palm trees seemingly planted at random that give the square a less formal feel. This feel is somehow enhanced by the cheap hostels and bit-shabby eateries. Still it’s one of the prettiest and certainly the grandest square in Barcelona, a great place to have a coffee, rest your eyes and feet and take some great photos.