Plaça Nova

Plaça Nova is an irregular, slightly triangular square in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, facing the cathedral avenue. You can see two circular towers marking the former Porta Praetoria of the Roman wall. Carrer del Bisbe follows the ancient decumanus beyond the gateway, where several surrounding streets meet. The right tower joins the Bishop’s Palace, while the left incorporates the Casa de l’Ardiaca and Saint Roch’s niche.

The square took shape between 1355 and 1358 beside a market outside the medieval Porta Bisbal. Its earlier enclosed form changed after Civil War damage opened the avenue towards Barcelona Cathedral. Archaeological excavations later exposed Roman wall remains, an aqueduct fragment, and structures beneath the square. A reconstructed section of aqueduct still clings to the left tower, recalling water brought from Besòs and Collserola.

Baroque stonework surrounds the square, alongside the Architects’ Association of Catalonia and its Picasso frieze. Joan Brossa’s sculptural “Bàrcino” marks the boundary between the square and the cathedral avenue. Thursday antiques stalls and traditional Catalan dances bring present-day activity around Roman and medieval remains. Above the pavement, the carved letters of “Barcino” keep Barcelona’s ancient name visibly tied to the place.