Seu Vella | Cultural Heritage. Goverment of Catalonia.
Seu Vella Benchmark of Romanesque Sculpture

The Seu Vella is formed by a set of buildings strategically located on Turó de Lleida(Lleida Hill), which dominates the city and the surrounding plain. It is one of the most important cathedrals of Catalonia, especially noted for its sculptural work and for the cloister, one of the largest and most spectacular in Europe.

As is usual in these types of works, the Seu Vella was built and extended over the centuries, combining different architectural styles. The first Christian Cathedral began to be built in 1193 with the aim of catering for the growing population of the city. Of the Romanesque construction, the portals currently stand out.

At the end of the 13th century elements of new Gothic style were introduced. During this period the most important works of the church were completed and the chapels, the cloister, the bell-tower and the Portal of the Apostles, were built, which carried on during the 14th and 15th centuries.

The cloister is right in front of the main façade of the Church; an unusual position in Christian constructions, which recalls the entrance courtyards of Arabic mosques. The richly ornamented capitals deserve special attention, as do the splendid views over the city of Lleida which can be had from there.

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What can I do?

We encourage you to visit one of the paradigmatic monuments illustrating the transition from Romanesque to Gothic. Discover also the magnificent architectural creation of the craftsmen from the School of Lleida in the cloister and the portals of the church.

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Turó de la Seu Vella
25002 Lleida
Tel. (+34)973230653

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