Plaza España (Spain Square), Guatemala City

Spain Square is a graceful urban oasis that honors Guatemala’s historical and cultural ties to Spain. The focal point is the elegant Fountain of Carlos III, a late 18th-century monument commissioned in 1783 and unveiled in 1789 to honor the Spanish monarch. It was relocated from the Constitution Square to this square in 1933, where ornate Talavera-ceramic benches-gifts from Spain-and sculptural details continue to adorn the scene.

Designed in the late 1920s as part of a broader urban beautification network, the plaza was inaugurated in 1933 and underwent a thoughtful renovation completed in 2017. The modernization transformed it into a pedestrian-friendly environment-removing vehicular lanes, broadening walkways, and introducing lush landscaping, ambient lighting, children’s play areas, and outdoor fitness installations.

Surrounding the fountain and gardens are statues honoring key figures from Spain’s cultural and colonial legacy in Guatemala, including writer Miguel de Cervantes, King Carlos V, and chronicler Bernal Díaz del Castillo. The square's harmonious blend of architecture, art, and greenery offers an ideal place for photography, relaxation, and connection with the city's heritage.