Praza

Praza is the Galician term for a public square or plaza. It denotes an open urban space, typically bordered by streets and important buildings, that serves as a social and civic hub in towns and cities. In Galicia, many municipalities use the word pra za in the names of central squares to reflect their historic and contemporary role as gathering places for markets, events, and everyday life.

Etymology and usage context: The word pra za derives from Latin platea and evolved through Romance languages, yielding cognate terms in related Iberian languages such as Portuguese praça and Spanish plaza. In Galician signage and toponymy, pra za naming is common, distinguishing squares within city or town layouts and preserving historical naming practices.

Notable examples: The best-known example is Praza do Obradoiro, the large square in front of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, which is a focal point for pilgrims completing the Camino de Santiago and a central tourist and cultural site. Another well-known Galician example is Praza da Quintana, located in the historic center of Santiago de Compostela, among other public squares across the region.

See also: Praça, Plaza, and Plazas maiores refer to similar public squares in Portuguese, Spanish, and broader Iberian toponyms. The concept of the public square as a civic and social space is common across many European cities, often reflecting medieval and early modern urban planning.