Plaça d’Espanya was built for Barcelona‘s 1929 Universal Exposition and is the second-largest square in Spain after Madrid’s Plaza de España, spanning around 34,000 square meters at the meeting point of Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes and Avinguda del Paral·lel. Architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch designed the square as a monumental gateway to the exposition grounds on Montjuïc.
The square’s landmarks include the twin Venetian Towers marking the entrance to Montjuïc, the Font dels Tres Mars fountain designed by Josep Maria Jujol (a frequent collaborator of Antoni Gaudí), and the former Arenas de Barcelona bullring, now a rounded shopping and entertainment center with rooftop views.
As a public square, Plaça d’Espanya is accessible at all times and serves as the gateway to Montjuïc’s museums, including the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya and the nightly Magic Fountain light show. It’s served directly by Espanya metro station on lines L1, L3, and the FGC L8.
When planning your Barcelona travel guide or browsing verified attractions in Barcelona, pair this stop with standout local spots including Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar, Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Restaurant La Boqueria, and La Gastronomica (Burgers&Beers) (0.4 km away).
