Generalitat de Catalunya

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.