Barcelona, Spain
An impressive water ballet in Barcelona’s central square
Plaça de Catalunya in Barcelona (Spain) is a large central square that is generally considered to be both its city center and the place where the old city (Barri Gòtic and Raval, in Ciutat Vella) and the 19th century-built Eixample meet. Some of the city's most important streets and avenues meet at Plaça Catalunya: Passeig de Gràcia, Rambla de Catalunya, La Rambla, and Portal de l'Àngel, in addition to Ronda de Sant Pere, Carrer de Vergara, and Carrer de Pelai. The square occupies an area of about 50,000 square meters. It is especially known for its fountains and statues, its proximity to some of Barcelona's most popular attractions, and the flocks of pigeons that gather there. In 1959, Fernando Espiau Seoane designed two giant fountains on the upper terraces of Plaça de Catalunya, close to the many statues built before that. At night, these fountains light up with a stunning fresh-look,