The Palau de la Generalitat in Barcelona is the seat of the Catalan government. The Palau has pure Gothic, flamboyant Gothic, Renaissance and baroque elements behind the neoclassical façade. The building was constructed between the 15th and mid-17th centuries and this accounts for the variety of architectural styles. The delicate beauty of the Pati dels Tarongers, the courtyard planted with orange trees, is particularly outstanding.
Inside the building there is a superb Gothic cloister, with a staircase designed by Marc Safont, who also created the façade on Carrer del Bisbe (the former main entrance) and the beautiful chapel on the first floor, built in the flamboyant Gothic style. The Pati dels Tarongers, which was built between 1532 and 1547, combines the delicacy of Renaissance architecture with the cooling greenery of native plants and trees, and is the chosen place for many official events of the Catalan government. Other highlights include the main hall, the Saló de Sant Jordi, which dates from the same period; and the Saló de Torres Garcia.
Another highlight of the building is the famous carillon, which was built in 1976 and has 49 bells. It is played every day at noon and 18:00 by the carillon player giving you two opportunities to enjoy a unique concert.
