Old Cathedral of Lleida

The Old Cathedral of Lleida was built between 1203 and 1278 in the Romanesque style, but its tower and main door are from the 15th century and were therefore built in Gothic. In 1707 the cathedral became a military barracks and a new cathedral was built from 1761 to 1781. After decades of neglect, the cathedral became a prison under Franco during the Spanish Civil War and was restored from the 1950s onwards.

About this building

Key Features

  • Architecture
  • Monuments

Visitors information

  • Car park at the building

Other nearby buildings

Wikimedia Commons/João Carvalho

Church of San Martín

The church of San Martín was built in the 12th century in the Romanesque style. During the Reapers' War (1640-1659), it was converted into a military barracks and from the 19th century, it served as a municipal prison. In 2011, the city of Lleida, the university and the diocesan museum are committed to giving the church academic and liturgical uses.

Wikimedia Commons/PMRMaeyaert

New Cathedral of Lleida

The New Cathedral of Lleida was built between 1761 and 1781 after the old cathedral was requisitioned to serve as a military stronghold during the War of Succession (1701-1715). Carlos III of Spain (1716-1788) granted permission and part of the financing for the construction of the new cathedral, on condition that the city abandoned its intentions to recover the Seu Vella as the seat of the bishop. The new cathedral is in Baroque style, with the influence of French academic classicism.

Wikimedia Commons/Pap3rinik

Poblet Monastery

The Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de Poblet is a Cistercian abbey founded in 1151. It was the royal pantheon of the Kingdom of Aragon from the end of the 14th century until the extinction of the Royal House of Aragon in the 15th century. Abandoned in 1835, its restoration began in 1930, and in 1935, the church could again be dedicated to worship. In 1991, the Poblet Monastery was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.