Plaça de la Independència, Neoclassical square in Girona, Spain.
Plaça de la Independència is a square surrounded by covered arcades supported by columns that run along all sides. Shops, restaurants, and cafes nestle beneath these sheltered walkways, while the open center features trees and a monument.
The square was built in 1856 after a convent was demolished, creating a new open space for the city. A central monument was added later to honor those who defended the city during past conflicts.
The central monument reflects how local residents honor the defenders of the city, with sculptures and inscriptions that visitors can observe directly as they walk through the square. The surrounding arcades create a natural gathering space where people connect with the story of the place.
The square is easy to walk across and offers shade under the arcades on hot days. Visit in early mornings or late afternoons when fewer people gather and the sun is less intense.
The square follows strict architectural rules that control how every building around it looks, creating a unified appearance. This deliberate design makes it a rare example of coordinated urban design from the 1800s.
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