Plaça Sant Jaume

The Sant Jaume Square has been the political hub since the Roman era. This square has been witness to some of the most important events in recent Catalan history, such as the proclamation of the Catalan State in 1931. At one end there is the Palace of the Generalitat (the government of the Autonomous Community of Catalunya) and on the other stands the City Hall. Both are Gothic buildings, although their fronts are newer (the Generalitat'sis best example of the Barcelona's Renaissance art).

But if you can go inside, both are very important civil Gothic buildings. The two buildings have guides.

• City hall: Visit hours are: Every Sunday, from 10 to 14. The entrance is free. The Saló de Cent, room where the artisans made the meetings is the most important part.
• Palau de la Generalitat: The second and forth Sunday every month from 10 to 14. Free entrance. The Pati dels Tarongers, a Patio with orange trees and the main room are the most famous parts.
• In the left part of the City Hall there's a tourist information point.