Royal Square, Neoclassical square in Gothic Quarter, Barcelona, Spain
Royal Square is a trapezoidal plaza surrounded by arcaded buildings decorated with terracotta ornaments and sculptured busts of maritime explorers along its edges. The covered porticoes create a sheltered perimeter where shops and dining establishments line the inner spaces.
The square was created in 1850 following the demolition of a Capuchin convent that had occupied the site since 1718. This transformation reflected the city's efforts to modernize its historic center during the 1800s.
The square serves as a gathering place where locals and visitors sit at outdoor tables, chat, and observe the flow of people around them. The mix of restaurants, cafés, and bars creates a social rhythm that changes throughout the day and evening.
The square sits just steps away from La Rambla and is easily reached on foot, with dining and nightlife options surrounding it. The covered arcades provide shelter from sun and rain, making it comfortable to walk through at any time of year.
The square features a fountain with three female figures and lampposts with distinctive branching arms at varying heights that curve gracefully. These sculptural light fixtures were designed by a renowned local architect and have become a recognizable symbol of the space.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
