Discover the sculptures in Plaça de Sant Jaume in Barcelona
Plaça de Sant Jaume is one of the most important and emblematic locations in the city of Barcelona. Located in the heart of the ancient city of Bàrcino, this square is the administrative center of the city and the place where many of the decisions that affect the lives of Barcelona residents and Catalans are made.
Palace of the Generalitat
On one side of the square is the Palau de la Generalitat, a building of great historical and architectural importance. This palace, built in the 15th century, is of Gothic style and maintains the original appearance in large part of its construction. The two side facades are Gothic, but not the main one, which follows the Renaissance aesthetic. In addition, the four columns at the entrance come from a Roman temple in Tarragona dated to the second century. One of the jewels of this building is the statue of Sant Jordi on the balcony, which is one of the most iconic images of Barcelona.
Barcelona City Council
On the other side of the square is the Barcelona City Council building, known as the Clock Building. This building has an origin that goes back to 1369, when the Saló de Cent was started to be built to provide councilors with a public building. The main facade of the building is neoclassical, from 1847, while the facade on Calle de la Ciutat preserves the original Gothic style. At the entrance to the building we can find two outstanding statues: Jaume I and Joan Fiveller, historical councillor, flanking the entrance.
Plaça de Sant Jaume: a place of life and party
Plaça de Sant Jaume is a very important public meeting point in Barcelona. It is here where castle demonstrations are held, concerts during the Festes de la Mercè or Santa Eulàlia, the Christmas nativity scene and many protest demonstrations and rallies. It is common to find there newlyweds who have just left the Town Hall building, where they have just been married. This space is a place full of life and party where you can breathe the spirit of the city.
From Plaça de Sant Jaume, it is easy to reach other emblematic places in Barcelona such as the cathedral, the Rambla, the Boqueria or the Born. It is an area full of history and culture that you cannot miss during your visit to the city.
In short, Plaça de Sant Jaume is a place that combines history, architecture and city life. With the Palau de la Generalitat and the City Hall as protagonists, this square is one of the most important places in Barcelona and a point of reference for all Barcelona residents and visitors to the city.