Plaça Sant Jaume, Square in the Gothic Quarter, Barcelona, Spain

Plaça Sant Jaume is a square in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, Spain. It is paved with flat, light-grey stone and enclosed by buildings, including a large beige stone building with an arched entrance and a dome, and another with a clock face above an entrance.

The square stands on the site of the Roman forum of Barcino, where the main streets crossed. It took its current shape in the 19th century after the medieval church of Sant Jaume was demolished and the City Hall facade was built.

The square is the administrative heart of Catalonia, with the Palace of the Generalitat and the City Hall facing each other. On Sundays and public holidays, you might see people dancing the sardana, a traditional Catalan circle dance.

The square is flat and easy to walk across, with wide open space in the middle. It is busiest during the day, so mornings are a good time to visit if you prefer fewer people.

Under the square, remains of the Roman city of Barcino are preserved, and four columns of the Temple of Augustus can be seen nearby on Carrer Paradís. The square has had several names, including Constitution Square and Republic Square, reflecting different periods in Spanish history.