The plaza is named for the University of Barcelona, whose neo-Gothic main campus lies on its northwest side. The main University building was built between 1863 and 1889 by the architect Elies Rogent, who also devised the square in 1874,[1][2] at the time when the Eixample was being built after the complete demolition of the city walls. Along with Plaça d'Urquinaona, it is arguably one of the most common gathering-places for demonstrations in the city, as well as offering a pedestrianised area popular with skaters. There square is also surrounded by a number of shops and restaurants, and a primary school.
