Saint James Square

To your left, stands the imposing Barcelona City Hall, a Renaissance-style building, although with Gothic and Baroque details. It is the center of the city’s municipal administration. Its facade, with an elegant combination of columns and windows, reflects the importance of Barcelona over the centuries.

On the opposite side of the square is the Palau de la Generalitat de Catalunya, seat of the autonomous government of Catalonia. This building of medieval origin, with its impressive Renaissance facade, shows St. George, patron saint of Catalonia, slaying the dragon with a lance.

Plaça Sant Jaume is also a place loaded with symbolism for the people of Barcelona. Major institutional events are held here, popular celebrations and protests that reflect the city’s identity and history.