Visit Plaça de Sant Jaume is located in the heart of the Gothic district.
It is home to Barcelona's political and social center.
It is home to two of Catalonia's most important institutional buildings: Barcelona City Hall and the Palau de la Generalitat.
Today, let's take a closer look at the square.
Plaça de Sant Jaume: article summary
The history of Plaça de Sant Jaume
It's surprising to discover that the Plaça de Sant Jaume performs the same political function today as it did over two thousand years ago. In fact, its territory covers the Palau and the town hall, and an equivalent institution stood there in Roman times: the forum, the political center par excellence of Barcino, the Roman name for Barcelona.
What's more, if we take a look at the map of Barcelona's historic center, we can see that the square is located at the traditional meeting point of the cardus maximus (today's intersection of Carrer Llibreteria and Carrer Call) and the decumanus maximus (today's Carrer de la Ciutat and Carrer del Bisbe), the main access routes to the ancient Roman camp.
Although almost all the material from this period has been lost, the remains of Augustus' temple can still be seen today. It consists of four Roman columns, now part of the Museu d'Història de Barcelona (MUHBA).
A name that reflects the history of the place
Another interesting story is the number of names this square has been called. Its current name comes from a former church, Esglèsia de Sant JaumeIts demolition in 1823, caused by a fire, led to the redevelopment and inauguration of the square we know today.
Before that, however, it had other names, such as Plaça de la Constitució and Plaça de la República, during the brief period of the Second Spanish Republic.
Plaça de Sant Jaume, a place to celebrate
What no one can doubt is the strong Catalan symbolism that this square has retained since time immemorial. To cite just a few of the historic events that have taken place here, a Catalan state was proclaimed here in 1931. Josep Tarradellas was received here in 1977, after his exile. And, of course, the countless celebrations of FC Barcelona's victories. often took place in this square.
Discover the two most important buildings on the square
As mentioned above, the main protagonists of this square are the Town Hall and Palau de la Generalitat de Catalunya buildings.
The first building is known as Casa de la Ciutat. Its historical origins lie in the Consell de Cent, Barcelona's self-governing institution, in force from the XIIIᵉ to the XVIIᵉ century.
Its structure dates back to 1369, despite the many subsequent renovations it has undergone over the centuries. The main façade, which houses the clock, is in the neo-classical style, the result of renovations carried out in 1847. during the general redevelopment of the square.
The Palau de la Generalitat de Catalunya an important political venue
The Palau de la Generalitat, seat of the Presidency of the Government of Catalonia, also dates from the XIVᵉ century. Considered one of the few medieval buildings in Europe, it still houses the seat of the government that ordered its construction.
One hundred and twenty-eight Catalan presidents have sat here, dating back to Berenguer de Cruïlles in 1359. Its main facade, built in Renaissance style, dates back to 1596. Many similarities can be found and attributed to the Campidoglio in Rome, taken as a model for its construction.
The two columns of Trojan origin supporting the main balcony are a marvel. As is the emblematic sculpture of Sant Jordiplaced here in 1872. It represents the moment when the Roman soldier became a saint, battling a fearsome dragon.
What to do around Plaça de Sant Jaume?
It's worth noting that a visit to Plaça de Sant Jaume also means visiting other parts of Barcelona. Its location in the heart of the old town means you can connect with other emblematic districts. For example, you can visit the Jewish quarter of El Call, whose streets are home to one of the oldest synagogues in Europe.
Similarly, the Plaça del Rei, offers the chance to visit an impressive Roman site. Here, 4,000 square meters of archaeological remains allow visitors to explore the streets of Roman Barcelona. You can almost touch the ancient city walls. Take the time to enter in the authentic IIᵉ century AD laundry.
Finally, Carrer del Bisbe, one of the legendary streets that straddles the Roman decumanus. It links the square to the Catedral de la Santa Creu, and leads to a beautiful Gothic bridge.
Plaça Sant Jaume is a place you'll find hard to miss when visiting Barcelona. Here, you'll find numerous monuments and stop for a moment before setting off again to explore the city.
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