Placa Nova (New Square), Barcelona
Despite its name, New Square is the oldest square in Barcelona, founded in 1358. Until the 14th century, the area remained undeveloped, serving as a hay market behind the gates of the Roman settlement of Barcino.
New Square was built following a municipal council decision in 1355 to channel water from the Collserola mountains to the Square of Saint James. Throughout its history, the square has mostly kept its original name, except for a brief period, in the early 20th century, when it was renamed after Carlist Juan V谩zquez de Mella.
The square has an irregular, triangular shape and, in the past century, was the site of several archaeological excavations. In 1994, the sculptural poem "Barcino" was installed, adding a modern touch to the area.
Several historical buildings surrounding the square include the medieval Baroque-style Bishop鈥檚 Palace and the Architects' Association of Catalonia building, featuring sand-cast friezes by Pablo Picasso. Other highlights are the remnants of the Roman wall and the gateway that once led to the ancient Forum, dating back to the 1st century BC and 4th century AD respectively. Two circular towers flanking the gate were added in the 12th century. Additionally, near the Archdeacon鈥檚 House, one can view fragments of the Roman aqueduct.
Tip:
Each Thursday, from 9 am to 8 pm, New Square hosts an antiques market.
New Square is also a venue for dance festivals 鈥� Sardanas, 鈥� particularly on the day of Saint Roch, a Majorcan Catholic confessor whose death is commemorated on 16 August.
New Square was built following a municipal council decision in 1355 to channel water from the Collserola mountains to the Square of Saint James. Throughout its history, the square has mostly kept its original name, except for a brief period, in the early 20th century, when it was renamed after Carlist Juan V谩zquez de Mella.
The square has an irregular, triangular shape and, in the past century, was the site of several archaeological excavations. In 1994, the sculptural poem "Barcino" was installed, adding a modern touch to the area.
Several historical buildings surrounding the square include the medieval Baroque-style Bishop鈥檚 Palace and the Architects' Association of Catalonia building, featuring sand-cast friezes by Pablo Picasso. Other highlights are the remnants of the Roman wall and the gateway that once led to the ancient Forum, dating back to the 1st century BC and 4th century AD respectively. Two circular towers flanking the gate were added in the 12th century. Additionally, near the Archdeacon鈥檚 House, one can view fragments of the Roman aqueduct.
Tip:
Each Thursday, from 9 am to 8 pm, New Square hosts an antiques market.
New Square is also a venue for dance festivals 鈥� Sardanas, 鈥� particularly on the day of Saint Roch, a Majorcan Catholic confessor whose death is commemorated on 16 August.
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Placa Nova (New Square) on Map
Sight Name: Placa Nova (New Square)
Sight Location: Barcelona, Spain (See walking tours in Barcelona)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Barcelona, Spain (See walking tours in Barcelona)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Barcelona, Spain
Create Your Own Walk in Barcelona
Creating your own self-guided walk in Barcelona is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Picasso's Barcelona Walking Tour
Pablo Picasso 鈥� the great Spanish painter and sculptor 鈥� developed his style in Barcelona where he spent the formative years of his life, from the ages of 14 to 23. It is said that when the master spoke nostalgically of home, he actually meant the Catalonian capital, despite having been born in Malaga.
This self-guided walk will take you to the Picasso Museum, the bar-restaurant and the art... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
This self-guided walk will take you to the Picasso Museum, the bar-restaurant and the art... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
La Rambla Walking Tour
One of the main streets in central Barcelona, La Rambla is popular with tourists and locals alike. Connecting the city鈥檚 old port with Pla莽a de Catalunya, it is filled with cultural and historic landmarks, as well as many terraces, restaurants, shops and street artists. Spanish poet, Federico Garc铆a Lorca once said it was 鈥渢he only street in the world which I wish never ended.鈥�
Start... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Start... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Barcelona Shopping Walk
A long-time prime cultural destination, Barcelona is also en route to becoming one of Europe's top shopping spots. Each new day, fashionable designer stores, from well-known international brands to local start-ups, are filling the city streets. If you're a fan of shopping, you're in for a treat when visiting this beautiful city. Here are some of the most popular shopping locations... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Barcelona Food Tasting Walking Tour
No one should visit Barcelona without making an attempt to get acquainted with some of Spain鈥檚 best food 鈥� Catalan food. An abundance of fresh fish and superb meat, a plethora of great vegetables, plus local inventiveness, have produced a very diverse, distinctive and delicious cuisine, including the famous (and trendy) tapas dishes.
Follow this self-guided walk to treat your taste buds in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Follow this self-guided walk to treat your taste buds in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Montjuic Walking Tour
Montjuic is a hill in Barcelona which offers a variety of great attractions of historic, cultural, and architectural value. Here, you can watch a spectacular water show at the Magic Fountain of Montjuic, visit the place where matadors faced the bulls in the past, and explore the ancient Montjuic Castle with its breathtaking views.
A convenient start point, Placa d'Espanya is the second... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.0 Km or 3.1 Miles
A convenient start point, Placa d'Espanya is the second... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.0 Km or 3.1 Miles
Gothic Quarter Walking Tour
A walk through the Gothic Quarter 鈥� Barcelona鈥檚 oldest part, dating from the Roman era 鈥� is like a journey through time. The typical Roman grid plan is still visible in the quarter's layout. Only a few roads are open for car traffic, so there is little in the way of enjoying the narrow, atmospheric streets filled with high-quality architecture, numerous boutiques, and coffee shops.... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
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