Ca’l Bisbe / Palau Episcopal, Episcopal palace in Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, Spain
This episcopal residence in the Gothic Quarter extends along Barcelona's Roman walls, featuring three historic towers and an inner courtyard with medieval elements. The throne room displays neoclassical decoration and connects to various chambers that once served administrative and reception purposes.
The earliest written mention appears in 1176 within a papal document that referenced the structure standing beside the Count's Palace. Over centuries, the building underwent successive renovations and expansions to meet the evolving needs of religious administration.
The residence carries the bishop's title and functions as an active religious site where visitors can climb the grand staircase to view the interior spaces. These rooms reflect the deep connection between church authority and city history.
The palace sits between Plaza Nueva and Bishop Street in the heart of the medieval city, easily reached on foot. Keep in mind this is an active religious site, and certain areas may be closed during services or official functions.
The inner courtyard preserves carefully decorated Romanesque capitals, representing rare examples of secular Romanesque sculpture found in the city. These stone details showcase the fine craftsmanship of artisans who worked during the building's early phases.
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