Fossar de les Moreres | Memorial to Catalonia’s Fallen

About Plaça del Fossar de les Moreres

Plaça del Fossar de les Moreres is one of Barcelona’s most symbolic memorials — a solemn tribute to the fallen defenders of Catalonia during the 1714 Siege of Barcelona. Adjacent to the Santa María del Mar Cathedral in the El Born neighborhood, this square was once the basilica’s medieval graveyard. It became a mass burial site for those who died resisting Bourbon forces during the final days of the War of the Spanish Succession.

Following the defeat, Catalonia suffered the loss of its institutions and autonomy under the Decretos de Nueva Planta, marking the beginning of centuries of cultural repression. Today, the Fossar stands as a powerful symbol of Catalan identity, resistance, and remembrance.

The square is paved with red bricks, evoking the blood shed during the siege. At its center rises a red oxide steel monument installed in 2001, crowned by a torch of eternal flame that burns day and night — a visual metaphor for the enduring spirit of those who fought and fell. A marble plaque bears a line from Frederic Soler’s poem “El Fossar de les Moreres,” which reads:

“Al fossar de les Moreres no s’hi enterra cap traïdor; fins perdent nostres banderes, serà l’urna d’honor.”, translated as “In the graveyard of the Moreres no traitor shall ever rest; even in losing our banners, it shall remain an urn of honor.”

Image Gallery Plaça del Fossar de les Moreres

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Visiting Plaça del Fossar de les Moreres

This is a public square, free and open to visit any time.

Visitors often notice a floral tribute placed at the base of the eternal flame monument, especially around September 11th — La Diada, Catalonia’s National Day, when the square becomes a focal point for civic remembrance and cultural pride.

Plaça del Fossar de les Moreres is a public square, free and open to visit any time. It offers a quiet space for reflection in the heart of the El Born neighborhood.

To understand more about this period in Catalan history — including the repression that followed the 1714 siege — read about the former citadel fortress in the history of Parc de la Ciutadella.

Surrounding the square are shops, bars, and restaurants, with one side bordered by the Santa María del Mar Cathedral.

Placa Fossar Les Moreres Homepage

Accessibility & What to Bring

Plaça del Fossar de les Moreres is a flat, open-air public square with no access restrictions and 24-hour availability. It is fully walkable and suitable for visitors with reduced mobility.

There are no lockers or cloakrooms, so avoid bringing large bags or bulky items. A small daypack is ideal for comfort and convenience.

As this is a memorial site, visitors are encouraged to behave respectfully. Photography is permitted, but loud behavior or disruptive conduct is discouraged.

Bicycle parking: The nearest anchorage points are located at Passeig del Born 10–12, just a few steps from the square.

Plaça del Fossar de les Moreres Summary of Prices

Train/Bus Fare Entry Ticket Additional Information Train/Bus Fare Entry Ticket Additional Information Adult Zone 1 T-casual FREE Child € 1.25 FREE

Getting to Plaça del Fossar de les Moreres

Address: Plaça del Fossar de les Moreres, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

The square is located in the heart of the El Born neighborhood, directly behind the Santa María del Mar Cathedral. It’s easily reached on foot from nearby attractions like the Picasso Museum and Parc de la Ciutadella.

Nearest Metro: Jaume I (L4 – Yellow Line) is the closest station, just a short walk away. From the metro, follow Carrer de la Princesa toward Carrer de Santa Maria to reach the square.

For unlimited travel across the city, consider using a T-Casual card or the Hola Barcelona Travel Card.

Public Transport Guide