Tarragona | Page 2 | Cultural Heritage. Goverment of Catalonia.

Tarragona

The Catalan jewel of the Renaissance

During the 14th and 15th centuries Tortosa was a trading centre of the first order, its splendour reflected by its buildings such as the cathedral, the palaces of the nobles and the episcopal palace. By the 16th century Tortosa was one of the cities in Catalonia with the largest population and the most political and economic weight. The Reials Col·legis, the largest Renaissance ensemble in Catalonia, date from that period. A stroll through the city will reveal the splendours of this, the jewel of the Catalan Renaissance, as well as other sights that exemplify the city's history.
 
REIALS COL·LEGIS
 
There are three buildings in this group. The most important one is the Col·legi de Sant Jaume i de Sant Maties, built in 1564, first used for the education of Muslims who had converted to Christianity. The other two buildings in the group are the Col·legi de Sant Jordi i de Sant Domènech and the church of Sant Domènech, which currently houses the Renaissance Interpretation Centre.
 
CATHEDRAL
 
This imposing building near the river Ebro stands witness to the history of Tortosa since the 14th century. Noteworthy are the nave and cloister, with important examples of engraved stones, and the chapel of the Mare de Déu de la Cinta, in Baroque style.
 
THE CASTLE OF LA SUDA
 
Considered to be one of Tortosa's most important historic buildings, along with the cathedral and the Reials Col·legis, the castle of Sant Joan, also known as the Castle of La Suda, is a prime example of the city's Moorish past. Furthermore, it also contains Catalonia's only open-air Islamic necropolis.
 
MUSEUM OF TORTOSA
 
You can discover more about Tortosa's history in one of the city's most remarkable buildings: the former slaughterhouse, a Modernista work by the architect Pau Monguió. The Museum of Tortosa moved into these premises in 2012 with a collection of over 4,000 items.
 
 
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Conquerors for the day

From his birth to his death, from the lands of La Franja de Ponent to Mallorca. The life of James I takes us through many landscapes. We'll guide you through some of them so you too can feel like a king.

 

Montsó

The castle of Montsó was home to James I for three years: the Knights Templar built it when he was a child.

Sant Llorenç de la Muga i Bassegoda

The forts of Sant Llorenç de la Muga i Bassegoda were owned by the king, who purchased them in 1225. After his death, Sant Llorenç passed into the hands of the Rocabertí family.

Barcelona

In the Saló de Cent in Barcelona City Hall, you can find a sculpture of James I, crafted by Manel Fuxà.

Costa Daurada

The old military ports of Tarragona, Salou and Cambrils saw the Catalan squadron that set sail to conquer Mallorca. This was in 1229.

Monestirs del Cister

At the monastery of Vallbona de les Monges you can visit the tombs of the King's family: his wife, Violant d'Hongria, and his daughter Sança. To find the sepulchre of James I himself, you'll need to go to another monastery: the monastery of Poblet.

 

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