Palau de la Generalitat (Palace of the Generalitat), Barcelona
The Palace of the Generalitat is a historic architectural marvel and the administrative heart of the autonomous region of Catalonia. Standing majestically on Saint James's Square in Barcelona, it shares Gothic roots with the neighboring City Hall on the opposite side of the square. This palace is distinctive as one of Europe's few medieval buildings still functioning as a government seat for the institution it was originally built for.
Initially established as a tax collection commission by the Catalan Parliament in 1289, it had evolved into the General Council by 1359, gaining administrative authority. The original building, formerly part of the Jewish Quarter, was purchased in 1400.
Over the years, it has expanded through additional acquisitions and integration of neighboring properties, resulting in a blend of architectural styles. The first significant addition included the Gothic Chapel of Saint George, built in 1434. Another addition, a Renaissance-style fa莽ade facing Saint James's Square, designed by Pere Blai in 1596, is noted as the first grand fa莽ade of this style in Catalonia. One of the most picturesque parts of the palace and a favorite backdrop for official photographs is the so-called Orange Trees Courtyard, richly adorned with ornate pillars and gargoyles.
Restoration efforts in the 20th century, particularly after the Spanish Civil War, were led by Josep Puig, one of Barcelona's top architects. He sought to restore the palace's original features while incorporating neo-Gothic elements. These restorations highlighted the building's historical significance, especially after the re-establishment of the Generalitat in 1977, following Spain's transition to democracy from the Franco regime.
The Generalitat offers guided public tours on the 2nd and 4th weekends of each month, which require prior booking. Special openings occur on significant days such as Saint George's Day, the Feast of Mercy, and the National Day of Catalonia, providing further opportunities for the public to explore this historic site. The palace also hosts Sunday noon carillon concerts, adding a musical element to its cultural offerings.
Initially established as a tax collection commission by the Catalan Parliament in 1289, it had evolved into the General Council by 1359, gaining administrative authority. The original building, formerly part of the Jewish Quarter, was purchased in 1400.
Over the years, it has expanded through additional acquisitions and integration of neighboring properties, resulting in a blend of architectural styles. The first significant addition included the Gothic Chapel of Saint George, built in 1434. Another addition, a Renaissance-style fa莽ade facing Saint James's Square, designed by Pere Blai in 1596, is noted as the first grand fa莽ade of this style in Catalonia. One of the most picturesque parts of the palace and a favorite backdrop for official photographs is the so-called Orange Trees Courtyard, richly adorned with ornate pillars and gargoyles.
Restoration efforts in the 20th century, particularly after the Spanish Civil War, were led by Josep Puig, one of Barcelona's top architects. He sought to restore the palace's original features while incorporating neo-Gothic elements. These restorations highlighted the building's historical significance, especially after the re-establishment of the Generalitat in 1977, following Spain's transition to democracy from the Franco regime.
The Generalitat offers guided public tours on the 2nd and 4th weekends of each month, which require prior booking. Special openings occur on significant days such as Saint George's Day, the Feast of Mercy, and the National Day of Catalonia, providing further opportunities for the public to explore this historic site. The palace also hosts Sunday noon carillon concerts, adding a musical element to its cultural offerings.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Barcelona. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 51爆料网 App
Palau de la Generalitat (Palace of the Generalitat) on Map
Sight Name: Palau de la Generalitat (Palace of the Generalitat)
Sight Location: Barcelona, Spain (See walking tours in Barcelona)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Barcelona, Spain (See walking tours in Barcelona)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Barcelona, Spain
Create Your Own Walk in Barcelona
Creating your own self-guided walk in Barcelona is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Picasso's Barcelona Walking Tour
Pablo Picasso 鈥� the great Spanish painter and sculptor 鈥� developed his style in Barcelona where he spent the formative years of his life, from the ages of 14 to 23. It is said that when the master spoke nostalgically of home, he actually meant the Catalonian capital, despite having been born in Malaga.
This self-guided walk will take you to the Picasso Museum, the bar-restaurant and the art... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
This self-guided walk will take you to the Picasso Museum, the bar-restaurant and the art... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
Gothic Quarter Walking Tour
A walk through the Gothic Quarter 鈥� Barcelona鈥檚 oldest part, dating from the Roman era 鈥� is like a journey through time. The typical Roman grid plan is still visible in the quarter's layout. Only a few roads are open for car traffic, so there is little in the way of enjoying the narrow, atmospheric streets filled with high-quality architecture, numerous boutiques, and coffee shops.... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Montjuic Walking Tour
Montjuic is a hill in Barcelona which offers a variety of great attractions of historic, cultural, and architectural value. Here, you can watch a spectacular water show at the Magic Fountain of Montjuic, visit the place where matadors faced the bulls in the past, and explore the ancient Montjuic Castle with its breathtaking views.
A convenient start point, Placa d'Espanya is the second... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.0 Km or 3.1 Miles
A convenient start point, Placa d'Espanya is the second... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.0 Km or 3.1 Miles
Barcelona Food Tasting Walking Tour
No one should visit Barcelona without making an attempt to get acquainted with some of Spain鈥檚 best food 鈥� Catalan food. An abundance of fresh fish and superb meat, a plethora of great vegetables, plus local inventiveness, have produced a very diverse, distinctive and delicious cuisine, including the famous (and trendy) tapas dishes.
Follow this self-guided walk to treat your taste buds in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Follow this self-guided walk to treat your taste buds in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
La Ribera Walking Tour
La Ribera is a culturally rich, historic area of Barcelona鈥檚 Old Town; somewhat less touristy than the Gothic Quarter (which one should really visit as well) and quite unspoiled, authentic and pretty. Centuries ago, it was a very well-to-do neighborhood inhabited by aristocrats, merchants, wealthy sailors, and Jewish money-lenders. Today, it is regarded as the Soho of Barcelona 鈥� a popular... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Barcelona Shopping Walk
A long-time prime cultural destination, Barcelona is also en route to becoming one of Europe's top shopping spots. Each new day, fashionable designer stores, from well-known international brands to local start-ups, are filling the city streets. If you're a fan of shopping, you're in for a treat when visiting this beautiful city. Here are some of the most popular shopping locations... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
10 Sightseeing Walks During Covid-19
Borders closed, flights canceled. As countries across the globe scrambling to curb the spread of coronavirus, it is nearly impossible to travel these days. For those with wanderlust at heart, living without exploring is a really tough challenge.
But even in times of hardship like this, one should...
Top 10 Spanish Foods and Drinks to Try in Barcelona
In the countries like Spain, food is a national heritage and cultural attraction in its own right. The latter is even more true of Catalonia in general and Barcelona in particular. Presented here are the 10 staples of Catalan food tradition, missing which would be a gastronomical...
Barcelona Souvenir Shopping: 17 Uniquely Spanish Things to Buy
Spain, in general, and Barcelona, in particular, are a treasure trove of all things exciting. Set your foot in Barcelona and you'll be spoiled for the choice of things worth trying and taking home. Before your head starts spinning, check this guide out to put yourself in the right...