The Plaça Pius XII stop on the Orange Route of Barcelona City Tour takes you to one of the most iconic gateways to western Barcelona. Located at the beginning of Avinguda Diagonal, this square connects some of the most emblematic places in the Les Corts district, combining architecture, history, sport and heritage.It is the perfect starting point for discovering a part of the city where major sports facilities stand alongside historic buildings and gardens that reflect Barcelona's aristocratic past.
Where is Plaça Pius XII?
Plaça Pius XII is located in an area dominated by
Avinguda Diagonal, one of Barcelona's main avenues, which crosses the city from east to west and connects this area with other stops on the Orange Route, such as
L'Illa Diagonal. Its location makes it a gateway to the Pedralbes neighbourhood, an area known for its green spaces, historic buildings and peaceful atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.From this stop, you can explore several places closely linked to Barcelona's history, from internationally renowned sports facilities to Modernist buildings. The Orange Route allows you to continue this architectural journey towards other city landmarks, such as
La Pedrera.
Where is the Plaça Pius XII bus stop?
The tourist bus stop is located in Plaça Pius XII itself, next to Avinguda Diagonal, in the Les Corts district. It is strategically positioned for visiting some of the main attractions in western Barcelona.
Its proximity to Pedralbes and the FC Barcelona area makes it an interesting stop both for visitors who want to discover the city's sporting history and for those looking to explore buildings and gardens that are less commonly included in traditional sightseeing itineraries.
Getting to Plaça Pius XII with Barcelona City Tour
The easiest way to reach this area is by taking the Orange Route of
Barcelona City Tour, which includes this stop on its journey through Barcelona's main tourist attractions.The hop-on hop-off system allows you to plan your visit flexibly: you can get off at Plaça Pius XII, explore the surrounding area at your own pace and then continue your journey to other highlights of the city.
During the tour, the multilingual audio guide provides information about the points of interest along the route. In addition, WiFi connectivity and the
City Tour App make it easier to plan your stops.
What to see around Plaça Pius XII
The area surrounding this stop brings together some of the best-known attractions in Les Corts and Pedralbes. A walk through the neighbourhood offers the opportunity to discover everything from Barcelona's football heritage to buildings that form part of the city's architectural legacy.
- Camp Nou FC Barcelona
- One of the main nearby attractions is FC Barcelona's stadium, one of the most famous sports venues in the world. Opened in 1957, it has hosted major matches and memorable moments in the club's history. Beyond its sporting significance, the stadium represents an important part of Barcelona's identity and attracts visitors every year who are interested in learning about the club's history.
- La Masia de Can Planes: Very close by is La Masia de Can Planes, a traditional Catalan farmhouse that became one of the symbols of FC Barcelona's youth development system. The building was used as a residence for young academy players, and its name is closely associated with the training of footballers who went on to enjoy highly successful professional careers.
- Palau Reial de Pedralbes: The Palau Reial de Pedralbes is one of the area's most notable historic buildings. Surrounded by gardens, it was once a residence used by the Spanish royal family during their stays in Barcelona. Today, it houses cultural spaces and forms part of a landscaped setting featuring architectural details and sculptures that invite visitors to enjoy a leisurely stroll.
- Pavellons de la Finca Güell: The Pavellons de la Finca Güell are among the area's architectural treasures. Designed by Antoni Gaudí in the late 19th century, they offer the opportunity to discover a different side of the architect before continuing to explore other iconic works, such as
- Casa Batlló
- The complex stands out for its imaginative forms, ornamental details and, above all, its famous dragon-shaped iron gate, one of the most recognisable features of Catalan Modernism.
Frequently asked questions
Is Plaça Pius XII a good stop for discovering a less touristy side of Barcelona?
Yes. Its location allows you to explore an area that is less crowded than the historic city centre, while still offering buildings and spaces of great cultural and architectural value.
Can I combine my visit with a walking tour of Pedralbes?
Yes. From the square, you can follow a walking route through some of the neighbourhood's main attractions, including gardens, historic buildings and sites associated with Modernist architecture.
How much time should I spend at this stop?
It depends on your chosen itinerary. One or two hours may be enough to explore the main nearby attractions, although you can extend your visit if you wish to go inside any of the area's cultural sites.