Plaça Catalunya de Llagostera

Plaça Catalunya is the main square of Llagostera, a small town in the Gironès region of Catalonia. It looks today like an ordinary town square lined with shops and cafes, but its history stretches back to the 19th century and is closely tied to the town's commercial and social development.

Where does the square's history come from?

The square did not always carry its current name. According to records from a town council meeting held in 1860, it was originally intended to be called "Plaça de la Indústria" (Industry Square), reflecting the economic ambitions of the growing town. In 1891 the local association Casino Llagosterenc bought a 1,642-square-metre plot here to build its new social headquarters, permanently linking the site to Llagostera's public life.

The real turning point came in 1901, when the town's weekly market was relocated to this square. The market itself is far older — its roots go back to 1324, when King Jaume II granted the town the privilege of holding a weekly market. For more than a century Plaça Catalunya served as Llagostera's commercial heart, which drew shops to concentrate around it — some of which are still trading today, even though the market itself moved to Avinguda de l'Esport in 2020.

What happens on the square today?

Although the market has moved elsewhere, Plaça Catalunya remains one of the town's key public spaces and is listed among its cultural venues. Llagostera has a long-standing artistic and cultural tradition, and the square regularly hosts events organized by the town hall and local associations.

One such event is "La Nadalenca," a weekend filled with family activities. Every year, on the Sunday following the feast of the Immaculate Conception, the square also hosts a Christmas fair, organized by the Llagostera Merchants' Union in collaboration with the town council. Stalls sell typical festive items such as artificial Christmas trees, artisan products, and traditional sweets.

What's nearby?

Plaça Catalunya sits right in the centre of Llagostera, close to several public institutions, including the civil registry office (Registre Civil) and the local magistrate's court (Jutjat de Pau). Just a few hundred metres from the square are two local attractions: Museu Vilà, about 280 metres to the north, and Parc de la Torre de Llagostera, roughly 290 metres to the west — a town park built around the remains of an old defensive tower.

How do you get to Plaça Catalunya?

Llagostera lies in the Gironès region, in the province of Girona, and is well connected to surrounding towns by bus. Local bus lines stop near the square, including the "Llagostera" and "Llagostera, Centre" (toward Palafrugell) stops. This makes it a convenient starting point for exploring the town centre on foot — most attractions, public offices, and shops are within a few minutes' walk.

When should you visit?

The best time to visit is during the Christmas season, when the square hosts its annual Christmas fair, or on the weekends when "La Nadalenca" takes place. Outside the festive season, the square functions as a quiet urban space, ideal for a short stop while exploring Llagostera and its nearby attractions.

Frequently asked questions

Is the weekly market still held at Plaça Catalunya? No. The market, which had been held here since 1901, was moved to Avinguda de l'Esport in 2020, where it now takes place on Thursdays.

Where does the square's name come from? Originally, according to 1860 records, it was meant to be called "Plaça de la Indústria." Its current name refers to Catalonia as a region.

What attractions are closest to the square? Museu Vilà (about 280 m north) and Parc de la Torre de Llagostera (about 290 m west), along with the civil registry office and magistrate's court.

Are events held on the square? Yes — including the family-oriented "La Nadalenca" and the annual Christmas fair held on the Sunday following the feast of the Immaculate Conception.