Why the square is called "Independencia"
The square commemorates the Girona resistance during the third French siege of 1809, when the city held out against Napoleon for 7 months. The bronze monument in the centre by Antoni Parera (1894) shows the Catalan defenders. Until then the square was called Placa de Sant Agusti after the convent that stood here.
The 19th century porticoes
The neoclassical buildings with continuous arched porticoes were built between 1855 and 1870 by Marti Sureda. The porticoes shelter restaurant terraces year-round. The architecture is considered one of the most uniform examples of Catalan eclectic neoclassicism.
Where to eat on the square
A short list of the best terraces:
- Cafe Royal: classic Catalan vermut, olives and patatas braves. Best for aperitivo at 19:00.
- Konig: traditional Catalan grills, butifarra and escalivada. Mid-range, good for dinner.
- Federal Cafe: Australian-style brunch, eggs benedict and flat whites. Good for breakfast.
- Boira: tapas with a creative twist, view of the Onyar river from upstairs. Reservations recommended.
How to get to Placa de la Independencia
From Girona train station: 10 minutes walking via Carrer de Barcelona, or a 5 euro taxi. From the Onyar coloured houses: cross the Pont de Pedra and you are there in 2 minutes. The square is fully pedestrianized.
Combine with the Old Town
Use the square as your base. Cross the Pont de Pedra to reach the Cathedral (10 min uphill), the Jewish Quarter (8 min) and the Arab Baths (12 min). Come back for tapas in the evening.
Events on the square
The square hosts the main stages of the Temps de Flors festival in May, the Sant Narcis Christmas market in November and December, and the Festival Mil-lenaries traditional music in July.
Frequently asked questions
It is on the west bank of the Onyar river, between Carrer Nou and the Pont de Pedra bridge. From the train station it is a 10 minute walk. The square is fully pedestrianized.
Yes. It is the social heart of Girona, the best place for tapas and aperitivo, and the gateway between the new town and the medieval Old Town across the Onyar bridge.
The bronze monument by Antoni Parera commemorates the defenders of Girona during the 1809 French siege, when the city resisted Napoleon for 7 months. It was inaugurated in 1894.
Cafe Royal for traditional vermut and tapas, Konig for Catalan grills, Federal Cafe for brunch, and Boira for creative tapas with a river view. All have terraces under the porticoes.
Cross the Pont de Pedra to the east bank of the Onyar, then walk uphill through Carrer Ballesteries and Carrer dels Calderers. The Cathedral steps are 10 minutes away.
