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Plaça Catalunya fountains will be switched off for two months because of urgent works after leaks are detected
Those passing through Plaça Catalunya in the coming days will notice an immediate change: the twin fountains will stop operating for at least two months. Barcelona City Council has launched urgent works after detecting water leaks in both structures, barely a year after they returned to service following the drought.
The works begin this Monday and involve a comprehensive intervention. The basins will be emptied, ornamental elements dismantled and cracks sealed, as well as the interior paving being renewed and a new waterproofing system applied. During this time, the fountains will remain completely switched off, altering the usual image of one of the city’s busiest spaces.
The schedule points to the end of June as the completion date, although reopening will depend on factors such as the weather and the pace of the works. The aim is to prevent further incidents and ensure more stable operation in the medium term.
This is not the first significant intervention in these structures. In 2015, a refurbishment was already carried out to improve their efficiency, incorporating remote-control systems to manage energy consumption, water quality and light and music shows.
Designed by Fernando Espiau Seoane in 1959, the fountains replaced the former work by Frederic Marès and have become one of the symbols of central Barcelona. Their presence forms part of the daily life of residents and visitors.
Interventions such as this highlight the constant balance between conservation and urban use. Keeping landmark infrastructure in good condition not only preserves the city’s visual identity, but also ensures that it continues to be functional spaces within Barcelona’s everyday rhythm.