Palau de la Generalitat

Palau de la Generalitat is a medieval palace in Barcelona, standing on Plaça de Sant Jaume in the heart of the Gothic Quarter. It serves as the seat of the President and government of Catalonia (the Generalitat de Catalunya), making it one of the few buildings in Europe that has continuously housed the same governing institution since the Middle Ages.

Where is it and how do you get there?

The palace faces the Barcelona City Hall (Ajuntament) across Plaça de Sant Jaume, and together the two buildings have formed the political heart of the city for centuries. It sits just a short walk from the cathedral and Las Ramblas, tucked into the dense grid of narrow lanes that make up the Gothic Quarter.

The easiest way to reach it is by metro: Liceu (L3) and Jaume I (L4) stations are both 3-5 minutes away on foot. City buses stopping along Via Laietana or Ferran also leave you a short stroll from the square. Driving is not practical here — the Gothic Quarter is a low-traffic, largely pedestrian zone, and parking is limited to areas outside its boundaries.

What will you see inside?

The facade facing Carrer del Bisbe still shows the Gothic character of the original construction, while the main front overlooking Plaça de Sant Jaume was rebuilt centuries later in a more classical style. That contrast between the older Gothic core and the later additions is one of the most interesting features of the building's architecture.

Inside, the Orange Tree Courtyard is a highlight — an open space ringed by galleries and planted with orange trees, forming the physical and symbolic center of the complex. The palace also houses a chapel dedicated to Catalonia's patron saint, decorated in ornate Gothic style. Upstairs, ceremonial halls still used for official government functions blend historic interiors with an active administrative role — a genuine rarity, since most comparable medieval buildings across Europe have long since been converted into museums rather than staying in use as seats of power.

The palace is not open to casual visitors every day, since it remains a working government building. Access to the interior is limited to specific open days, usually tied to Catalan holidays, when the building welcomes both locals and tourists. It's worth checking the current schedule before planning a visit, as exact dates can shift from year to year.

When should you visit?

The best time to see the interior is during one of the designated open days linked to Catalan national or religious holidays, when entry is free and rooms normally closed to the public become accessible. The square itself and the palace facade, on the other hand, can be admired year-round at any time of day.

Given how popular the Gothic Quarter is with visitors, arriving early in the morning before the crowds build up — or in the late afternoon, when the light flatters the stone facades — makes for a more comfortable visit. The square is also a frequent site of local gatherings and events, which can add an interesting layer to a visit but is worth factoring in if you're hoping for a quiet moment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go inside the palace? Only on designated open days connected to Catalan holidays. Outside those dates, the building functions as an active seat of government and is closed to visitors.

How much does it cost to enter? Entry is free on open days, though queues can be long given the high demand on those occasions.

How long does a visit take? Touring the interior, when accessible, usually takes 45-60 minutes. Simply admiring the square and facade takes only a few minutes.

What else is worth seeing nearby? The City Hall sits directly across the square, and within a short walk you'll find Barcelona Cathedral, the City History Museum, and the narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter lined with small cafes and shops.