Plaça de Tetuan

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The central monument was originally commissioned to stand in the Plaça de la Universitat before being moved to its current location in 1977.

2. 2

   Josep Maria Subirachs, the monument's creator, is also famous for his controversial sculptural work on the Passion Facade of the Sagrada Família.

3. 3

   The square is named to commemorate the Battle of Tetuan, which took place during the Hispano-Moroccan War in 1860.

4. 4

   The surrounding Eixample district is globally recognized for its strict grid layout and chamfered street corners, known as 'xamfrans'.

5. 5

   The plaza functions as a roundabout for heavy traffic, making the inner garden a sunken oasis amidst the urban circulation.

Overview

Plaça de Tetuan is a significant intersection square located in the Eixample district of Barcelona, acting as a crossroads for the Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes and Passeig de Sant Joan. The square features a prominent monument dedicated to Dr. Robert, a renowned Catalan physician and former mayor of Barcelona. Designed by the architect Josep Maria Subirachs, the sculpture is constructed from stone and bronze and honors the doctor's contributions to the city. The square incorporates a public park area with green spaces and designated play zones for children. It serves as a landscaped urban corridor connecting different sections of the Eixample. The area is bordered by historic residential architecture characteristic of 19th-century Barcelona urban planning.

Insider tips

• The inner garden provides a quieter environment for resting than the perimeter sidewalks.

• Use the nearby shaded benches to observe the local Eixample lifestyle away from the main tourist hubs.

• Bring a book or light snack, as the benches are popular with residents for mid-day breaks.