Plaça Sant Jaume Barcelona

'Sant Jaume' square in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona

Everything about visiting Plaça de Sant Jaume in Barcelona. The square in the Gothic Quarter with the Palau de la Generalitat and the Ajuntament, Barcelona's city hall.

The square in the Gothic Quarter

Plaça Sant Jaume, which is considered the political heart of Barcelona, was first used in 1823 and is located in the Gothic Quarter. On one side of the square of Sant Jaume is the 'Palau de la Generalitat'. On the other side lies the 'Ajuntament' (Barcelona city hall). Both buildings are generally closed to the public.

The Palau de la Generalitat is the seat of the Catalan government. It's a beautifully decorated, 15th-century palace. The Ajuntament currently serves as the office for Barcelona's mayor. This city hall has existed since the 14th century. That was when Barcelona's elites, the 'Consell de Cent' decided to build a reception building on the site of the old Roman forum. The most impressive room in city hall is the 'Saló de Cent' from 1369. The walls of city hall have been decorated with gold leaf, and beautiful crystal chandeliers are suspended from the ceiling. During the Spanish Civil War, the Ajuntament was seriously damaged, but everything was restored afterwards.

Events & Castells

The square is also where FC Barcelona is honoured after winning an important tournament. On important Catalan holidays, you can see the Sardanes and Castells here. Sardana is the dance of freedom and Castellers are human towers; both typically Catalan traditions.

^{Palau de la Generalitat}

^{Barcelona City Council}

Where is Plaça Sant Jaume in Barcelona?

Close to Placa Sant Jaume are:

La Rambla

Palau de la Musica

Cathedral

Plaça Reial