Plaça de l'Arbre

Plaça de l'Arbre is a small but striking square in the heart of Riudoms, a Catalan town in the province of Tarragona. It was built as a tribute to Antoni Gaudí — whose family had roots in this area — and it blends the aesthetics of a Japanese garden with motifs drawn from his architecture. The result is unexpected: a corner of a Catalan town that could just as easily sit in Kyoto.

How do you get there?

The square sits at Plaça de l'Arbre 5, right in the centre of Riudoms, a short drive from Reus and not far from the Costa Daurada coastline. Riudoms lies on the main roads connecting Reus with the inland towns of the Baix Camp region, so arriving by car is the simplest option, with parking available in and around the town centre. Local bus lines serving the Baix Camp municipalities also stop in Riudoms. The square itself is part of the pedestrian core of town, so the final stretch is covered on foot.

What will you see?

Plaça de l'Arbre was designed by Japanese architect Hiroya Tanaka, who conceived the space as a symbol of the bond between Riudoms and Japan — a country where Gaudí's work has an especially devoted following. In 2007 the square was expanded as part of the "Epicentre Gaudí" project, an initiative dedicated to the town's ties with the architect.

At the centre of the square stands a fountain where water sets a large stone sphere rolling — a feature typical of zen gardens, where moving water represents the constant flow of time. Around it are wooden benches inspired by those in Barcelona's Park Güell, one of Gaudí's own works. Part of the square is covered in white sand laid out in zen-garden style, creating a sharp contrast with the stone and timber elements nearby.

The square's biggest natural draw is its avenue of ornamental cherry trees (sakura): according to local tourism sources, it is the most extensive planting of sakura anywhere in Europe. In spring, when the trees bloom, the square turns into a pink-and-white scene that draws residents and visitors alike for a Catalan take on hanami.

The square is also a stop on Riudoms' local Ruta Gaudí (Gaudí Route), a trail through sites connected to the architect's family and his legacy in the town. The building at number 5 houses the Antoni Gaudí Library, reinforcing the square's thematic link to the architect.

Following a recent renovation, the square now functions as the town's main recreational space for residents — local events are held here, and it often serves as the starting point for the parade during Festa dels Barris, Riudoms' annual neighbourhood festival.

When should you visit?

The best time to come is early spring, when the cherry trees bloom — typically a short window from late March into April, depending on the year's weather. That is when the square looks its most spectacular and best captures its Japanese-Catalan character. In summer, an early morning or evening visit is worth planning to avoid the highest temperatures typical of the Costa Daurada's inland areas. Since the square is small and open year-round, it can be visited in any season — a walk through takes only a matter of minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Plaça de l'Arbre connected to Antoni Gaudí? Yes. The square was designed as a tribute to the architect, whose family came from Riudoms, and it forms part of the town's local Gaudí Route. It features elements inspired by his work, including benches modelled on those in Park Güell.

Why are there cherry blossom trees in the square? The square symbolises the connection between Riudoms and Japan, a country with a large following of Gaudí enthusiasts. According to local sources, it holds the most extensive planting of ornamental cherry trees in Europe.

Who designed the square? Japanese architect Hiroya Tanaka designed it, combining zen-garden aesthetics with Gaudí-inspired motifs during the square's 2007 expansion.

How much time should you set aside? Given its small size, 10 to 20 minutes is enough to take in the fountain, the benches, the zen garden and the cherry-tree avenue — easy to combine with a stroll through the rest of Riudoms' town centre.