Thursday, May 7, 2009

Palau Reial Major & Saló del Tinell

Palau Reial Major & Saló del Tinell
14th Century
Presented by Chris Anderson
The Palau Reial was the royal residence in Barcelona. Inside you will find the Salo del Tinell banquet hall which is an example of Catalan Gothic architecture. Initially the complex was the palace of the earls situated on the Roman wall. The cathedral and its associated buildings aside are the most concentrated batch of historic monuments in the Barri Gothic. The square was once the courtyard of the rambling palace of the counts of Barcelona, and across the courtyard, stairs climb to the great 14th century Salo del Tinell, the palaces main hall. It was on the steps leading from the Salo del Tinell into the plaza del Rei that Ferdinand and Isabella stood to receive Christopher Columbus on his return from his famous voyage of 1492. Columbus would advance in procession with the monarchs to the palace where he presented the Queen with booty from the new world including exotic birds and sweet potatoes. The hall itself is a great example of secular Gothic architecture with interior arches spanning 17m. At one time the Spanish inquisition met here taking full advantage of the popular belief that the walls would move if a lie was spoken. Now a days it hosts temporary exhibitions while concerts are held outside in the square.