The Plaza Real is one of the most important squares in the city, it was built to give a more modern appearance to the Catalan capital, and to increase the places of leisure and recreation for the citizens of Barcelona.
In the place where the Plaza Real is today, there was previously a convent of Capuchin monks, which was destroyed and the space was left unoccupied. Later, and in an attempt to expand the city, adding new squares and places of recreation, the creation of the Plaza Real began.
This square was inaugurated in 1848, being the design of the Catalan architect, Daniel Molina i Casamajó. The original name of the square was to be “Plaza de los Héroes Españoles” but as it was built during the time of the monarchical absolutism of King Fernando VII, it ended up being called Plaza Real, in homage to the Spanish sovereign.
For many years it was one of the busiest squares in Barcelona, and today it continues to be among the four most famous squares in the city, next to Plaça de Catalunya, Plaça Espanya and Plaça Sant Jaume. Currently, the Plaza Real is a typical meeting point for the inhabitants of the Catalan capital, where different cultural, artistic exhibitions and large-scale musical festivals are organized.
The Plaza Real has been renovated on different occasions, however, most of the maintenance work was done to keep the square in good condition. Much of the original design and decorations are still intact.
The Plaza Real is located in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, and is very close to the Paseo de La Rambla and the Columbus Monument. Its design is trapezoidal and completely neoclassical, with decorative details very typical of its time.
Inside the square, we can find the Fountain of the Three Graces, which was created in 1867 by Antoine Durenne with the exclusive purpose of being placed in the Royal Square. The Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí designed the beautiful street lamps that illuminate the square. It is these architectural complements that make the Plaza Real stand out from the other squares in Barcelona.
Fans of Antoni Gaudí’s work have other works to visit in Barcelona where the architect left his mark: La Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló, Parc Güell, Casa Vicens, La Pedrera, Torre Bellesguard and Palacio Güell.
Due to its location, the Plaza Real converges with numerous restaurants, nightclubs, bars and other places of tourist interest. Possibly one of the most popular is the Jamboree, a live music club opened in 1960 by the pianist Tete Montoliu.
Throughout the year, the Plaza Real is usually a very busy place, in which the pace of life is dynamic and changing, so it always offers something new to those who are going to know it.
A short distance from the Plaza Real is La Boquería, the most famous market in Barcelona.
Because it is located in a very central and busy area of the Catalan capital, the Plaza Real is one of the great must-sees of the city.
The nightlife and culture that takes place in the square and its surroundings is usually its main attraction, especially among visitors of foreign origin. If your goal is to enjoy a night out, keep in mind that the places you want to go and the Plaza Real itself can be absolutely packed with people who have the same interests.
Despite its reputation as a party area, the Plaza Real also has a lot to offer lovers of the history, art and architecture of Antoní Gaudí. Its neoclassical style and atmosphere of an old place really stand out when the influx of people decreases, ideal time to take a relaxing walk with friends or family.
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