Plaça Reial

Plaça Reial, elegance under the arcades

The Barcelona audio-guided tour takes you to Plaça Reial, one of the most elegant in the city. With its perfect proportions, its arcades, its palm trees and its fountain, it exudes great class and invites you to pause, a stone's throw from La Rambla.

A royal square out of prudence

It is said that it was named Royal because of its beauty, but it should have been called the Square of the Spanish Heroes, in reference to the war of independence waged against the Napoleonic empire. Under a king who had every name recalling French liberalism erased, prudence was preferred, and it became a good old royal square. It was laid out on the site of a former convent ravaged by fire in 1835.

What there is to see

The square is framed by arcaded buildings of fine homogeneity, shaded by tall palm trees. At its centre, a fountain and lampposts designed by the young Gaudí at the start of his career complete the setting. Lined with cafés and restaurants, lively day and night, Plaça Reial is one of the most prized meeting places in Barcelona.

Practical information

Plaça Reial is right next to La Rambla, in the heart of Barcelona. It is a public space freely accessible at all hours and on the level. Lined with cafés and restaurants with lively terraces, it is very busy, especially in the evening.

Why is the square called Reial?

It was given this name of royal square out of political prudence; it should have honoured the heroes of the war of independence against Napoleon.

Who designed the square's lampposts?

The young Antoni Gaudí, at the start of his career; his lampposts still adorn the centre of Plaça Reial.