THE PLACA DE CATALUNYA 

The Placa de Catalunya is the heart of Barcelona and the hub of the city's transport system. It was first landscaped at the end of the 19th century and became of major importance as the pivotal point between the old and new city: the Barri Gotic to the east, the Eixample district to the north and west, and, to the southeast, Las Ramblas running down to the port Its main landmarks today are the head office of Banco Espanol de Credito, former headquarters of the unified Socialist Party of Catalonia during the Civil War, soon to be a luxury hotel; the EI Corte Ingles department store and a medley of fountains and statues, including work by important sculptors such as Gargallo, Mares and Subirachs. Today, its benches, trees and splashing fountains make it a popular place to meet and have a coffee.