Plaça d'Espanya, Barcelona

About Plaça d'Espanya

The square was laid out for the 1929 International Exposition as the grand entrance to the exhibition grounds on Montjuïc. It became one of Spain's largest squares, where several major avenues meet and traffic and buses circle constantly.

Its landmarks are the two brick Venetian Towers, about 47 metres high and modelled on St Mark's bell tower. They flank Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina, which rises to the Magic Fountain and the Palau Nacional. In the evening, when the fountain runs, the whole axis is lit up.

The fountain and Las Arenas

In the centre stands a monumental fountain designed by Josep Maria Jujol, Gaudí's assistant, decorated with sculptures representing the rivers and seas of Spain, columns and bronze figures. It's ringed by lawns and flowerbeds, but with the traffic you can only reach it by the pedestrian crossings.

On the edge of the square is a round neo-Moorish building with horseshoe arches, the former Arenas arena from the early 20th century. In 2011 it was turned into a shopping centre behind its historic façade, with a circular rooftop terrace of restaurants looking over the square, the towers, Montjuïc and the city.

What to see on the square

• The Venetian Towers — the gateway to Montjuïc.
• Jujol's fountain — sculptures of Spain's rivers and seas.
• Las Arenas — a neo-Moorish front and rooftop terrace.
• Avinguda Maria Cristina — the way to the Magic Fountain.
• Palau Nacional — the view at the end of the avenue.
• Exhibition halls — buildings from the 1929 Exposition.

Where to go from the square

The square is the main gateway to Montjuïc. Between the towers, an avenue of fountains leads in 5 to 7 minutes to the Magic Fountain, and outdoor escalators continue up to the National Art Museum of Catalonia and the Barcelona Pavilion. Buses up the hill leave from here too.

Across the square begins the Sants district with the main railway station, and to the north the Eixample. The airport express bus stops here, and FGC trains leave for Montserrat, making it a handy base for trips out of town.

Tips

The square is a busy traffic junction, so only cross at the crossings. The best time to visit is the evening, when the Magic Fountain runs and the towers and palace are lit. Even without a show, it's worth walking up the avenue to the palace for the sunset view.

Las Arenas has cafés, restaurants and a supermarket, handy for a snack or water before exploring Montjuïc. The square is hot and short on shade in summer, so come in the morning or towards evening. There are plenty of mid-range hotels nearby, convenient for exploring the city and beyond.

Places in Barcelona: compare and choose

Places in Barcelona rated by YesGo. Click a column header to sort.

Nearby and on the way

42

Magic Fountain of Montjuïc

Barcelona, Spain

45 min · Free · 8 min walk

Yes — add to my route: Magic Fountain of Montjuïc

43

Barcelona Pavilion

Barcelona, Spain

40 min · Paid · 9 min walk

Yes — add to my route: Barcelona Pavilion

34

National Art Museum of Catalonia

Barcelona, Spain

2 h 30 min · Paid · 14 min walk

Yes — add to my route: National Art Museum of Catalonia

45

Montjuïc

Barcelona, Spain

3 h · Free · 25 min walk

Yes — add to my route: Montjuïc

How to do it right

• The gateway to Montjuïc.
• See it from the Arenas roof.
• Evenings: the fountain and lights.
• Trains to Montserrat leave here.

Questions