Arnes Town Hall | Cultural Heritage. Goverment of Catalonia.
Arnes Town Hall First examples of the Renaissance in Catalonia
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In Catalonia, the Gothic lasted longer than in other neighbouring regions. Therefore, examples of Renaissance architecture are rather scarce. One of the first buildings in this style, preserved in Catalonia, is the Town Hall of Arnes (Terra Alta). The proof is on the frieze of the six main windows where you can read, going consecutively one to the other, an inscription with the construction date of "1584" and the name of Joan Vilabona of Queretes.

The building, entirely free-standing, has an entrance portico. The first floor is surrounded by six windows with lintels and engaged, ionic half-columns, probably the place where the Renaissance influence can best be seen. Finally, completing the complex is the second floor with an arcaded gallery, now blocked in. Despite its austerity, some details are particularly notable such as the gargoyles or the coat of arms on a keystone of the central door.

The inside had been modified, but now nothing remains of the original sixteenth century interior. This was lost in 1835 during the Carlist Wars, when the building was set on fire.

Plan your visit

What can I do?
Combine cultural heritage with the natural history of Els Ports Natural Park. In two pine groves near Arnes, there are two monumental pine trees: Lo Pimpoll and Lo Pi Ramut.
Contact
Plaça de la Vila, 2, 
​43597 Arnes
Tarragona
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