Big, small, square, oval, new, old, famous, unknown… In Spain there are thousands of squares and their variety is capable of satisfying the tastes of the most varied visitors. Precisely this huge range of public spaces makes many wonder: what are the most beautiful squares in Spain?
Civitatis, the leading company in the sale of guided tours and excursions in Spanish around the world, has selected the 10 most beautiful squares in Spain in a list to try to shed light on a question whose answer, fortunately, can vary depending on of the questioned
1. Plaza de España, Seville
It seems incredible, and more so in a city with such a marked historical character, but one of the main tourist attractions in Seville did not exist less than a century ago. Seville’s Plaza de España was built to celebrate the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929, in an unparalleled architectural work that resulted in this spectacular square bordered by a canal and surrounded by 52 benches decorated with tiles, one for each Spanish province. Its beauty is such that it has come to conquer Hollywood, where the Plaza de España became the Palace of the Kingdom of Naboo for the second episode of Star Wars, Attack of the Clones.
2. Plaza Mayor, Salamanca
Although its predecessor was the Plaza Mayor in Valladolid, the Plaza Mayor in Salamanca is perhaps the most famous baroque square in Spain. Its careful architectural style, the side pavilions and the medallions of famous people have made it an essential visit in Salamanca.
Since its creation in the mid-18th century, the Plaza Mayor in Salamanca has been the scene of all kinds of events, from bullfights to the peculiar celebration of university New Year’s Eve, which this year will have to wait.
3. Obradoiro Square, Santiago de Compostela
The place where all the paths come together is, and never better said, the Plaza del Obradoiro in Santiago de Compostela. The long-awaited destination for pilgrims is also the center of life in Santiago. The sound of the bagpipes, the majestic cathedral and its incessant atmosphere are more than enough incentives to visit this square with more than 700 years of history.
4. Plaza Alta, Badajoz
Although it is not one of the most famous, the Plaza Alta in Badajoz is for many one of the 10 most beautiful squares in Spain. As soon as you set foot in it, its unique architecture evokes the ancient Islamic city, since the city’s souk was located there.
5. Plaza del Rey, Barcelona
It is impossible to deny the beauty of the Plaza de Catalunya in Barcelona, undoubtedly the most emblematic of Barcelona. However, in the heart of the Gothic Quarter there is a square that is smaller but equally beautiful: the Plaza del Rey. The medieval airs of this 14th century space and the Gothic and Renaissance buildings that surround it, such as the Royal Palace, make Plaza del Rey an architectural jewel capable of standing up to other large squares in Barcelona.
6. Plaza de la Villa, Madrid
A step away from Puerta del Sol or Plaza Mayor is Plaza de la Villa, one of the most picturesque places in Madrid. In it you can admire one of the best preserved monumental complexes in the capital, where three very relevant buildings stand out both historically and artistically: the Torre de los Lujanes, the Casa de Cisneros and the Casa de la Villa, where it was located for a time the city hall of the capital.
7. Plaza de Santa Ana, Las Palmas
The first main square to be built in Gran Canaria continues to be one of the most famous in the Canary Islands. The Plaza de Santa Ana, built at the beginning of the 16th century, houses pieces of history with its most representative buildings: the Cathedral, the Town Hall and the Provincial Archive. In addition, it has some faithful guardians who impassively observe the passage of time, the seven dogs of Santa Ana.
8. Plaza Mayor, Trujillo
The Plaza Mayor of Trujillo could not be missing from this list of the 10 most beautiful squares in Spain. This charming medieval town brings together heritage, history and culture in one place. In the Plaza Mayor of Trujillo is the equestrian statue of Francisco Pizarro, conqueror of the Inca Empire, as well as the church of San Martín de Tours and beautiful Renaissance palaces.
9. Plaza de Nuestra Señora del Pilar, Zaragoza
The Plaza de Nuestra Señora del Pilar, in Zaragoza, is not only one of the most spectacular squares in Spain, but it is also one of the largest pedestrian squares in Europe. Although the incomparable beauty of the Cathedral-Basilica del Pilar eclipses the rest of the square, the truth is that there are several surprises along the Plaza del Pilar, such as a statue of Goya or the curious fountain of Hispanidad. You even get to glimpse (already in another square, yes) the other cathedral of Zaragoza, the Seo!
10. Plaza Mayor, Chinchon
Just 38 kilometers from Madrid is one of the 10 most beautiful squares in Spain. Chinchón’s Plaza Mayor not only maintains its medieval architecture, but tradition also lives on, as open-air markets, regional dances and many other activities continue to be held.
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