An imposing building next the River Ebro is a testament from the 14th century to the history of Tortosa. The Cathedral of Santa Maria, together with the
Castle of La Suda and the
Royal Colleges, forms the most notable architectural complex in the city.
Standing on the same spot as had previously been a Roman forum, a mosque and a Romanesque cathedral, is the current Cathedral of Santa Maria, whose construction began in 1347 following the
classic Gothic style. Nevertheless, it includes later elements such as the Baroque façade completed in 1757.
Most notable is the
central nave and
cloister, with a major exhibition of carved gravestones, and the
chapel of La Mare de Déu de la Cinta, in the Baroque style.
At the same time, one cannot ignore the rich sculptural and pictorial heritage of the Cathedral of Tortosa, starting with the altarpiece of
Mare de Déu de l’Estrella (Virgin of the Star - 14th century) which presides over the main altar. Other Gothic altarpieces have occupied the walls of the Basilica such as the
Virgin of the Angels, by Pere Serra (currently in the MNAC), or that of the
Transfiguration, attributed to the workshop of Jaume Huguet.
The latter is one of the star exhibits of the
Cathedral Museum, which displays nearly
200 pieces of religious art accumulated over nine centuries. Here you can see paintings, sculptures, tapestries, objects in precious metals and a valuable collection of codices.