Description of the attraction
Plaza Sant Jaume is the administrative and political center of Barcelona. In addition, this is a historical place, here in the Middle Ages the Church of St. James (Sant Jaume) was located, next to which there was a cemetery. In ancient times, there was a Roman forum on this site, where significant events usually took place. In 1823, the appearance of a new square began to form here, new streets were laid and the facades of old buildings were restored. Plaza Sant Jaume is located in the central part of the city, in the famous Gothic Quarter. Here are the main city institutions: the building of the Barcelona City Hall, as well as the Palau de Generalitet - the building of the self-government of Catalonia. These buildings are located directly opposite each other.
The main building in Plaza Sant Jaume is Palau de Generalitet. It is a symbol of democracy and independence of the Republic of Catalonia. The main facade of the building from the side of the Plaza Sant Jaume is made in the Renaissance style. Above the main entrance is the central balcony, which houses the statue of Saint George, the patron saint of Catalonia. If you go through a low arched opening, you can get into the inner courtyard of the building, made in the Gothic style. Here is the chapel of St. George, and next to it is the beautiful courtyard of the Orange Trees, around which are the Consistory Hall, the Golden Chamber, the Tapias Hall, the Torres Garcia Hall and the most significant - the Hall of Saint George (Sant Jordi).
The City Hall, located on the other side of the Sant Jaume square, was built on the site of Simo Oller's house. Its neoclassical façade overlooks the square, while its remarkable Gothic façade opens onto the building's inner courtyard.
Concerts, exhibitions, demonstrations and other events are constantly held on the Plaza Sant Jaume.
