Placa de Sant Jaume (St. James's Square), Barcelona

Saint James's Square is the administrative heart of Barcelona, housing both the Government of Catalonia and the Barcelona City Council. It also serves as an excellent landmark for navigating the intricate streets of the Gothic Quarter.

The area's historic roots trace back to the Roman colony of Bàrcino as a crossroads of the main Roman thoroughfares, where the Forum and the Temple of Augustus once stood. Four columns from the Temple have been preserved and can still be seen atop the hill known as Mont Taber.

The square itself has been in existence since at least 1261. A porch where city councilors convened for meetings, the precursor of the future headquarters of the municipal government, was added in the 14th century. In 1598, the Generalitat Palace was enlarged, subsequently extending the square too. Further major transformations occurred in the 19th century when the City Council decided to demolish adjacent buildings to create a larger square, which was inaugurated in 1840 as Constitution Square—a name it held until 2013.

Throughout the 19th century, the square became a vibrant spot with a flea market operating three times a week. It also emerged as a crucial cultural hub for the Castellers of Barcelona, a group of acrobatic performers who climb on top of each other, creating human towers – or “castles” – reaching up to several storeys high.

In 2004, an archaeological dig in the area unearthed remains of ancient walls, providing a glimpse into the square’s layered past.

Today, the square's architecture remains a prominent feature, with two striking buildings vying for attention. The City Council presides on the one side, while the Catalonian government building, known as the Generalitat, commands attention on the other. The square also continues to be a traditional gathering place for demonstrations and festivals.

Tip:
With many restaurants open until midnight and a constant buzz of activity, Saint James's Square is one of the liveliest parts of Barcelona during late hours. However, it is important to exercise caution here as pedestrians share the space with cars and bicycles.