We know: Plaza Catalunya doesn’t usually make you fall in love at first sight. Many see it only as a place to pass through, a meeting point to move on to another destination. But if you stop to look a little further, you will discover that it hides little gems. And that’s what we come to talk about today: those hidden treasures that you can find just a step away from this Barcelona epicenter.
Curious? Well, read on, we ‘ll tell you all about it.
Image courtesy of Martijn Vonk (unsplash.com), all rights reserved.
No, we are not going to talk about Gaudí or La Rambla.
Yes, we know they are close. And of course, Paseo de Gracia or Portal del Angel are tempting. But we are not here to talk about shopping or the classics. Today we bring you different plans, places that maybe you don’t know or that you have overlooked between rush and tourists.
Special (and tasty) places a stone’s throw from Plaza Catalunya
Dalston: a tiny café that leaves its mark on you
At Carrer de les Ramelleres, 16, is Dalston, a coffee shop as small as it is charming. Its secret? The specialty coffee, roasted by themselves, that makes anyone who tries it fall in love. They opened in 2017 and, since then, they have won the hearts of the most coffee lovers.
A piece of advice? Accompany your coffee with one of their sandwiches or handmade pastries. Simply a delight.
Comedy Cinemas: cinema for 5 euros
Okay, so you may already know them, but…. How long has it been since you’ve been in? These historic cinemas are just a few steps from the square, and offer a varied billboard, from blockbusters to independent films. Admission is only 5 euros, so it’s hard to resist.
La Plaça Gourmet: a renewed classic
Right in the heart of the square, La Plaça Gourmet Café offers more than just a prime location. Here you can enjoy tapas elevated to the next level, succulent paellas, burgers with premium ingredients or well-executed international dishes.
An ideal place for a meal overlooking the hustle and bustle, but with the tranquility of tasting something well done.
The most iconic coffee: Café Zurich
Anyone from Barcelona knows that the Zurich is a classic. But not everyone knows that, besides being a meeting point, it is a perfect place to have a coffee and watch the city go by. Sitting on its terrace is like being part of the rhythm of Barcelona, without rushing, but without stopping.
What if we told you that it all started with a World Expo?
Plaça de Catalunya was not always there. Its origin dates back to the end of the 19th century, when it was conceived as part of the urban transformation of the city on the occasion of the Universal Exhibition of 1888. But it was not until November 2, 1927, when King Alfonso XIII officially inaugurated the square, that it began its public life as we know it today.
On that day, Barcelona celebrated in a big way, and with good reason: a new neuralgic center was born, destined to unite the traditional with the modern.
From vacant lot to city center
For years, what is now Plaza Catalunya was an undefined space. But with the urbanization begun in 1902 and completed for the 1929 International Exposition, it was completely transformed. It was then that the architect Francesc de Paula Nebot took the reins and gave the square its current character.
Ornamental fountains, stone benches, elegant lampposts were added, and above all, the metro station was built, which today connects it to all corners of Barcelona.
The area ceased to be a place to pass through and became a meeting point, where hotels, cafes, banks and stores sprang up. Everything to the rhythm of a city that did not stop growing.
An architecture that blends centuries and styles
One of the least talked about charms of the square is its eclectic architecture. From modernism to Art Nouveau, everything has a place here. Many of the buildings surrounding the square display bold geometric shapes, floral reliefs, and decorative details that deserve a second (and third) look.
But it’s not just about buildings. The sculptures that adorn the square are part of its soul. Names like Josep Clarà, Frederic Marès, Josep Subirachs or Jaume Barba have left their mark. One of the most emblematic is the monument to Francesc Macià, that unfinished block of stone that symbolizes what is yet to be built.
And watch out for this: the square is 5 hectares in size. It is, in fact, one of the largest in Europe. And it shows. There is space for concerts, political events, cultural events… or just to watch life go by.
What is near Plaza Catalunya?
To say that the plaza is well located is an understatement. From there you can launch out to explore almost any interesting neighborhood in the city. You’re just a stone’s throw from the Raval, a short walk from the Gótico, and nowhere near the Ensanche. Plus, it connects you to everything via metro, train, bus, and airports.
Whether you’re a visitor or a local, this square always takes you somewhere.
Manuel Gibert i Sans: the first illustrious neighbor
Did you know that the first resident of the area was Manuel Gibert i Sans? An influential businessman, he was president of the Liceo and the Barcelona-Mataró railroad. His house, now converted into a hotel, still stands as a testimony to the beginnings of the square.
He was not only a businessman, he was also passionate about art and culture. Member of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of Sant Jordi, his figure is intimately linked to the growth of modern Barcelona.
Today its former home, with its elegant façade and majestic lobby, contrasts with the more recent buildings. But it is still there, resisting time and noise, as a symbol of all that this square represents.
A living square that never stops
Over the years, Plaza Catalunya has been reinvented again and again. It has been the scene of demonstrations, celebrations, cultural events, popular festivals and meetings of all kinds. It is a public space that has always been at the service of the city.
And although we often do not value it enough, it is a square that has history, character and countless details that make it special.
From its fountains and sculptures, to the cafes where time stands still, every corner invites to be discovered. And if you haven’t yet stopped to take a closer look, this is the perfect time.
Don’t underestimate it, Plaza Catalunya has a lot to tell.
Plaza Catalunya is not just a geographical point. It is an intersection of cultures, times and people. It is the visible soul of a city that never stops, but sometimes needs a closer look to discover the best it has to offer.
So the next time you pass by, don’t just walk on by. Have a coffee, sit on a bench, look at the sculptures or chat with a friend. Because when you stop, Plaza Catalunya is transformed.
