Plaça de Catalunya

Plaça de Catalunya is one of the notable squares in Sabadell, a city just outside Barcelona in Catalonia. It shouldn't be confused with the far more famous square of the same name in central Barcelona — this is a distinct place, belonging to Sabadell and its own residents.

Where exactly is the square?

The square sits at the point where three neighborhoods meet: El Centre, La Creu Alta, and Hostafrancs. That location isn't incidental — Plaça de Catalunya marks the southern end of Avinguda de Francesc Macià, one of Sabadell's main avenues, and effectively works as an entry point into the city from this side. For anyone moving between the city center and the districts to the south and east, the square functions as a natural landmark.

What will you find there?

A handful of recognizable landmarks cluster around the square. It's home to the headquarters of Banc Sabadell — a bank that took its name from the city and is today one of Spain's larger financial institutions, which says something about the square's standing in local identity. Next to it stands Hotel Sabadell, a convenient option for travelers looking to stay close to the center. Right alongside the square spreads Parc de Catalunya, a green space that gives residents and visitors somewhere to sit down and relax, rather than the square serving purely as a traffic junction.

The square in its current form is fairly recent — it was officially opened on 21 March 1992. That makes the surrounding architecture noticeably more contemporary than what you'll find in Sabadell's historic core, worth keeping in mind if you're pairing a visit here with a walk through the older part of town.

How do you get to Plaça de Catalunya?

Sabadell connects well with Barcelona — regular train services (Renfe and FGC) and bus lines link the two cities in under an hour. Within Sabadell itself, local bus lines serving El Centre, La Creu Alta, and Hostafrancs stop near the square. On foot from the city center, the walk usually takes a bit over ten minutes depending on your starting point.

When should you visit?

The square is primarily a functional, everyday space for residents rather than a seasonal tourist draw. The most natural way to see it is as part of a broader visit to Sabadell — on a weekday you'll catch it in its normal rhythm, with business traffic around the bank and hotel. In warmer months, it's worth combining a stop here with a walk through the adjoining Parc de Catalunya.

Frequently asked questions

Is this the same square as the famous Plaça de Catalunya in Barcelona? No. This is a separate square in Sabadell, a city roughly 20 km from Barcelona. The name is identical, but the location and character of the place are different.

What's the main landmark on the square? The Banc Sabadell headquarters and Hotel Sabadell are the most recognizable buildings on the square, and the adjoining Parc de Catalunya is the main green space in the area.

How do you get from Barcelona to Sabadell? Train is the most convenient option — Renfe Rodalies or FGC services run regularly, with the journey taking roughly 30–50 minutes depending on the line and destination station.

Is it worth setting time aside for this square while visiting Sabadell? If you're in the city and interested in its more modern side and 1990s local architecture, it's a natural stop on your route — especially paired with the adjoining park.