Placa Nova (New Square), Barcelona

Placa Nova (New Square), Barcelona

Plaça Nova, or the New Square, offers a rich experience for history and art enthusiasts. It holds significant historical value as the birthplace of the ancient city of Barcino, and visitors can marvel at the monumental gateway that once formed part of Barcelona's Roman wall. Among other highlights is the renowned Architects' Association of Catalonia building adorned with sand-cast friezes designed by Pablo Picasso. The square also showcases splendid examples of Gothic art and architecture.

With roots dating back to 1358, when it served as a hay market, the square allows visitors to witness remnants of the Roman wall and gateway that once led to the Forum. Flanking the gate are two circular towers, which were added during 12th-century renovations, although the original defense towers and walls trace their roots back to the 1st century BC and the 4th century AD. Adjacent to the Archdeacon's House, visitors can observe a replica of a section of the Roman aqueduct, serving as a reminder of the city's water supply. Across from it, a visual poem by Catalan artist Joan Brossa spells out the word "Barcino", further enhancing the square's artistic charm.

Tip:
On Thursdays from 9am to 8pm, the square transforms into a market featuring antique dealers. Plaça Nova is also a venue for festivals and Sardanas, particularly around August 16, the day of Saint Roch. This festive celebration showcases unique traditions and adds a distinct charm to Barcelona's cultural tapestry.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Barcelona. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Placa Nova (New Square) on Map

Sight Name: Placa Nova (New Square)
Sight Location: Barcelona, Spain (See walking tours in Barcelona)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Barcelona, Spain

Create Your Own Walk in Barcelona

Create Your Own Walk in Barcelona

Creating your own self-guided walk in Barcelona is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Barcelona Food Tasting Walking Tour

Barcelona Food Tasting Walking Tour

No one should visit Barcelona without making an attempt to get acquainted with some of Spain’s best food – Catalan food. An abundance of fresh fish and superb meat, a plethora of great vegetables, plus local inventiveness, have produced a very diverse, distinctive and delicious cuisine, including the famous (and trendy) tapas dishes.

Follow this self-guided walk to treat your taste buds in...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Gothic Quarter Walking Tour

Gothic Quarter Walking Tour

A walk around the Gothic Quarter is a journey through time to Barcelona’s oldest history, going back to times of Roman rule; in fact, the typically Roman grid plan is still visible today in the quarter's layout. Only a few roads are open for car traffic, so there will be little in the way of enjoying the many narrow, atmospheric streets filled with superb food, high-quality architecture,...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Antoni Gaudí's Masterpieces Walking Tour

Antoni Gaudí's Masterpieces Walking Tour

Gaudi is admired around the world as one of the most distinctive architects of the 20th century. The unique technique and use of natural forms make his creations stand out from the pack. La Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, Casa Batllo and other masterpieces will certainly take your breath away with their beauty, forms, colors, and overall design. Just make sure to book tickets in advance, since...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
Picasso's Barcelona Walking Tour

Picasso's Barcelona Walking Tour

Pablo Picasso – the great Spanish painter and sculptor – developed his style in Barcelona where he spent the formative years of his life, from the ages of 14 to 23. It is said that when the master spoke nostalgically of home, he actually meant the Catalonian capital, despite having been born in Malaga.

This self-guided walk will take you to the Picasso Museum, the bar-restaurant and the art...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
La Rambla Walking Tour

La Rambla Walking Tour

One of the main streets in central Barcelona, La Rambla is popular with tourists and locals alike. Connecting the city’s old port with Plaça de Catalunya, it is filled with cultural and historic landmarks, as well as many terraces, restaurants, shops and street artists. Spanish poet, Federico García Lorca once said it was “the only street in the world which I wish never ended.”

Start...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Barcelona Introduction Walking Tour

Barcelona Introduction Walking Tour

According to legend, Barcelona was founded by mythological Greek hero Hercules on one of his expeditions, when his boats were hit by a storm. The first 8 boats managed to escape without damage, but the 9th one was lost at sea. Hercules found his lost friends some days later on the coast, all safe and sound. The crew was taken by the beauty of the coastal landscape, and so they decided to stay. It...  view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.7 Km or 3.5 Miles

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