Palau Reial Major, Medieval royal palace in Gothic Quarter, Barcelona, Spain
The Palau Reial Major is a medieval palace complex made up of several buildings from different periods in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona. It comprises the Saló del Tinell, the Chapel of Santa Agata, and the Palau del Lloctinent, each section reflecting distinct architectural styles.
The complex served as the residence of the Counts of Barcelona and Kings of Aragon from the 11th century until the 16th century. Later the site was divided among different institutions including the Inquisition and royal administration.
The Chapel of Santa Agata displays an altarpiece by Jaume Huguet from the 15th century showing typical elements of Catalan Gothic art. Visitors can see the craftsmanship and religious symbolism of that period in the painting's details.
The Barcelona History Museum manages access to the Tinell Hall and Chapel of Santa Agata. It helps to check opening times ahead and be prepared for crowds during busy hours.
The complex is built on foundations dating back to Roman times, showing continuous development from the ancient city through the medieval period. These layers of different epochs are visible in the walls and tell the story of Barcelona's diverse history.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
