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Palau de la Generalitat
Home > Generalitat > Guide to the Government of Catalonia > Palau de la Generalitat

Palau de la Generalitat

The Palau de la Generalitat is the seat of the Catalan presidency and government. Inside it, the intense activities of government take place and decisions are taken which affect the lives of the men and women of Catalonia.

The Palau is also the venue of the most important Catalan political and official events: top-level meetings, institutional visits, presentations of medals or awards, audiences and receptions.

Historically, the Deputació del General de Catalunya, known popularly as the Generalitat, has its origins in the medieval Corts Catalanes. This was a representative parliamentary assembly which shared power with the monarch, and was one of the first institutions of its type to appear in Europe.

Its first president was Berenguer de Cruïlles, who was appointed by the Corts Catalanes when it met in Cervera in 1359.

In 1400, the buildings on the current site were purchased and the Palau became the permanent seat of the Catalan government.

The main façade (1597-1619), by Pere Blai, is the most outstanding example of Renaissance civil architecture in Catalonia.

 
Virtual tour
A virtual tour of the Palau de la Generalitat

A step-by-step guide to visiting the Palau, with information about the rooms shown to the public during a guided tour.

Useful links
  • The Catalan Parliament
    Represents the people of Catalonia and has legislative, electoral and supervisory functions.
  • President of the Government of Catalonia
    The head of the Government of Catalonia. He directs the work of the Government.
  • Government Plan
    Document detailing the Government's main aims for this legislature.
  • Government Decisions
    A list of Government resolutions this year and last year.
  • Our record
    Website giving information about measures taken by the Government during its term of office.
  • Gencat newsletters
    Subscribe to the Government of Catalonia's electronic newsletters, by subject (education, family life, culture, etc.)