Here we found the Palau de Generalitat, the "palace" of the Catalan government. This building is said to be one of the few medieval buildings in Europe that still function as a seat of government and houses the institution that originally built it.
The Generalitat was established around 1300, with its parliament, the Corts de Catalan, governing the region until 1714 when it was abolished. Catalan had sided with an Austrian pretender to the throne against Phillip V of Spain. When Phillip's side won, he shut down the Corts and turned the building into a Royal Apartment.
The Generalitat was reestablished in 1931, only to be abolished again in 1939 by General Franco at the end of the Spanish Civil War. (He even court martialed the President, and had him shot to death at Montjuic Castle.) The Generalitat was brought back to life again in 1977.
The reason I go into this history is that there is currently a movement to have Catalonia secede from Spain. Around the square, the official Spanish and Catalan flags fly, but there are banners that show support for the movement. We saw many of these banners as we walked the city.
 |
| the Catalan, Spanish and City flags |
 |
| Barcelona City Council offices across the plaza from the Generalitat |
The Generalitat building was originally built in 1400, in an area that was the former Jewish Ghetto. The current façade was added in 1596. When the Generalitat needed more room, they acquired a nearby convent. This arched bridge actually connects the official buildings.
The building has some interesting carvings, including this one featuring pelicans.
No comments:
Post a Comment