Square of Spain is the largest square in Barcelona and the second largest in Spain. Its architectural ensemble was designed in the classical style by the architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch for the World EXPO. It was held in Barcelona in 1929.
Despite its large size (34,000 m2), the area of Spain square is more a transport interchange than a place for tourist walks. The greater part of the square is a circular junction of roads. In the center of the square of Spain is a large fountain built by Gaudi`s pupil, the architect Josep Jujol. The fountain is a three-sided column, symbolizing Spain, washed by three seas: the Mediterranean sea, the Atlantic ocean and the Bay of Biscay.
There are two Venetian towers on both sides of the Rue de La Reine Marie-Christina, which leads to Montjuic mountain. Their height is 47 meters. They are very similar to the Campanile of San Marco square. These two towers served as gates to the world`s fair pavilions, located at the foot of Montjuic mountain. Above them on the mountainside stands the baroque National Palace, which now houses the collections of the National Museum of art of Catalonia. During the exhibition the main events were held in the palace.
The exhibition halls were planned to be dismantled after the World EXPO, but in 1932 it was decided to make them permanent. Thus the Fira de Barcelona exhibition complex was created, where various exhibitions and conferences are held. In front of the National Palace, you can see the famous Singing fountain.
On the square is located the Las Arenas center in the form of a Roman amphitheater. At first, there was an arena where bullfighting was held, but in 2011 it was completely reconstructed as a shopping center. Restaurants of all levels can be found on the Arena`s terrace around the entire circumference. Here you can have a good meal or just go up and walk on the terrace and enjoy the beautiful views of the Plaza de Espana, the fortress of Montjuic and the national Museum Of art of Catalonia.
