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Palau de la Virreina

Palau de la Virreina (48)

Situated on the “Rambla de les Flors” this palace was built between 1772 and 1777 under the orders of the Viceroy of Peru, Felip Manuel d’Amat i Junyent, who had a decisive role in its construction. That is why the building has a certain colonial air. The sculptural-decorative work by Carles Grau is particularly noteworthy. 

The Viceroy settled in Barcelona during the last years of his life, and in 1779 he married the young Maria Francisca de Fivaller and established their residence there. The Viceroy died 3 years later and his widow survived him by just 9 years, but was so loved by the people that after her death the building was renamed Palau de la Virreina. 

It is a fine example of civil Catalan architecture in the second half of the 18th century – Baroque style with French influences. 

The façade has 5 Corinthian pillars adorned with garlands, which divide the space into 5 sections and the upper part contains a balustrade with 12 jars which add to the overall decoration. Note the balconies with their wrought iron decoration and Louis XIV ornamentation and the structure around the two interior courtyards. 

Today, the building is the home of the Barcelona Institute of Culture and the rooms on the ground and first floors house temporary modern art exhibitions. 

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