Near the Rambla, in Ciutat Vella, you can find the Plaça Reial (the Royal Square). In the middle there’s a fountain, named ‘Tres Gràcies’ (‘Three Graces’). You will also find two lanterns designed by Antoni Gaudí in his beginning period. Similar looking buildings with colonnades and palm trees are surrounding the square. The Plaça Reial was being completely renovated in 1982.

The square was at that time build in honor of king Ferdinand VII of Spain and the monarchy. Originally they wanted to call it the ‘Plaça del herois espanyols’ (‘Square of the Spanish heroes’), but after various modifications the plans were discharged. The absolutism of king Ferdinand leaded to the removal of all names that referred to the liberalism.

The idea to give the old Capuchin Monastry of Santa Madrona a new destination originated in 1822, and after the rebellion of 1835, at which among others this monastery was burned down, the dismantling of the building began. An architectures contest was being held to form the halls to a big theatre and a few galleries. Contestants were Josep Oriol Mestres and Francesc Daniel Molina i Casamajó. In the meantime, from 1842 until 1848, the building was already on a temporary theatre duty, mainly the Teatre Nou was established there.

When in 1847 the nearby Gran Teatre del Liceu was being inaugurated, they dropped the idea to make a theatre of it and decided in 1848 to build a square. They chose to let the project be executed by Francesc Daniel Molina i Casamajó.

In the beginning locals from wealthy classes were living around the square but over time the residences were more popularized. At the moment Plaça Reial is a meeting point for a very diverse public. In the colonnades you can eat or drink something on one of the terraces. Also at night it’s quiet busy here because there are a lot of bars and dance cafes in the neighborhood.

In the weekends there are a few swap meetings taking place there. During the diverse parties and festivals in the city, Plaça Reial is busy visited spot. In the course of the city parties of La Mercè people are throwing typical dance parties with popular music.

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