Description of the attraction
The Palau de la Generalitet, located on the Plaza Sant Naume, is the building of the autonomous government of Catalonia, which is both an architectural and historical monument and the center of the political life of the province. Above the entrance to the Palace is the statue of St. George, the patron saint of Catalonia. The service facade of the building overlooking Bizbe Street was designed by Mark Safont in 1416. Mark Safont is also the author of the extraordinary beauty of the Gothic courtyard (1425), as well as the creator of the chapel of St. George, erected in 1436. From the courtyard you can get to the famous Orange Trees Courtyard.
The main Renaissance façade was designed by the architect Pere Blai in 1596. It was the first building in Catalonia to have a façade in this style. Inside the building, Pere Blai designed the chapel of Sant Jordi (St. George) and the Salo de Sant Jordi in the Italian spirit.
The Catalan Parliament (Corts) was formed in 1289 as a body representing the interests of the entire public of Catalonia. As you know, Catalonia has been trying for many years to win back its freedom and independence from the Spanish government. At the beginning of the 18th century, Catalonia was defeated, and its current parliament, Corts, was completely abolished, and the province itself suffered greatly from repression. At the beginning of the 20th century, an agreement was concluded to restore the Generalité - the government of Catalonia. Then there was the civil war of 1936-1939, Catalonia was again defeated, and its government fell into exile. In 1977, democracy was restored in Spain, and in Catalonia, a governing body was again formed, the seat of which again became the Palau de la Generalitet. This is why the Palau de la Generalitet Palace is the main symbol of Catalonia, the personification of its resilience and the stronghold of democracy.
