Turo de la Seu Vella Lleida

Turo de la Seu Vella

Historical monuments complex

Turo de la Seu Vella Lleida Historical Monuments Complex in Lleida is a breathtaking and impressive display of architecture that has stood the test of time. Comprising seven different buildings, each with its own unique story and history, this complex provides a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region. Here, we will delve deeper into each of the seven buildings that make up the Turo de la Seu Vella.

The Seu Vella

The Seu Vella is the most prominent building in the complex and is a stunning example of Romanesque architecture. The building dates back to the 13th century and served as the cathedral of Lledia until the construction of the new cathedral in the 18th century. The Seu Vella features a stunning rose window and an ornate bell tower. You can see them from miles away. The interior is equally impressive, with a high altar featuring a beautiful Gothic altarpiece and numerous chapels.

The Canonical HouseTuro de la Seu Vella Lleida

The Canonical House is a magnificent building that served as the residence of the canons who worked at the cathedral. The building dates back to the 14th century and features stunning Gothic architecture. The most impressive feature of the Canonical House is its beautiful courtyard, which features a central fountain and a stunning archway.

The Cloister

The Gothic Cloister at Turo de la Seu Vella is a remarkable example of European Gothic architecture. Its grand dimensions make it one of the largest cloisters of its kind. However, it is not just its size that impresses visitors. The intricate tracery of the 17 windows and the diverse range of ornate capitals add to its magnificence.

The layout of the cloister is slightly trapezoidal and consists of four galleries and seventeen pointed windows. Twelve of these surround the central courtyard, while the remaining five face the city, providing a stunning view from the southeast gallery. What makes this cloister truly unique is that it is located at the foot of the church, resulting in the sacrifice of the Romanesque facade and the construction of a Gothic facade of the Apostles in front of it. The gates to the Canonical House are situated opposite the viewpoint and the two Renaissance gates. The Chapter Hall Gate and the Santa Maria Gate, are particularly noteworthy.

The cloister served as a cemetery and place of worship for church members, academics, traders, and master builders who sought eternal rest. With its historical significance and stunning features, the Cloister at Turo de la Seu Vella is a must for anyone interested in Gothic architecture.

The Bell Tower

Turo de la Seu Vella Lleida

The Bell Tower is a stunning example of Romanesque architecture. It is one of the most prominent features of the complex.

The Turo de la Seu Vella Bell Tower is a stunning example of Romanesque architecture. It has a height of 60 meters and 238 steps leading to its summit. The views from the top are simply stunning and offer a panoramic view of the city of Lleida.

The tower was built between the 14th and 15th centuries it has an octagonal floor plan. It is located in the southwest corner of the cloister and is a popular tourist attraction.

The tower is home to two bells, Silvestra and Monica. They were cast in the 15th century. Five more bells, Bàrbara, Crist, Marieta, Meuca and Puríssima, were added in the 20th century.

The bells ring for a variety of occasions, including holidays, days of mourning, and special events. They are a beautiful sound that echoes through the city of Lleida.

The Church

Turo de la Seu Vella Lleida

The Church at Turo de la Seu Vella, designed by Pere de Coma, is a striking Latin cross basilica with three naves and a pronounced transept that leads to five apses. The intersection of the cross’s arms is crowned by a dome with an octagonal top view over squinches. What sets this church apart is the double wall that completely surrounds it.

The building’s symmetrical design exudes solemnity, with a perfect balance between the cruciform Romanesque pillars and the Gothic groin vaults. This results in a spacious and monumental space with intricate details. Sixteen columns encircle the strong support pillars, representing the transition to Gothic style while displaying a clear affection for sculptural embellishment.

The main Romanesque facade of the church connects to the cloister and boasts three gates. While the sides are relatively simple, the central gate, also known as the Main Portal, is the main attraction. It defines the style of the School of Lleida and features extravagantly decorated archivolts in degradation, with no tympanum.

Overall, the Church at Turo de la Seu Vella is a magnificent display of architectural excellence, blending Romanesque and Gothic styles to create a truly unique and awe-inspiring space.

Castle of the King 

Turo de la Seu Vella Lleida

Standing at the top of the hill, the Castle of the King serves as the guardian and sentry of Turo de la Seu Vella. More commonly known as the Suda. It is an Arabic word that means a closed urban area. The Suda name referred to the Andalusian fortress built on the same site during the 9th century.

A boy of six crowned king

The Castle of the King was the palace where the king resided during his stay in Lleida. Its construction reflects different phases between the late 13th and 14th centuries, resulting in the coexistence of Romanesque and Gothic forms. It was the most notable civil building in the city and a significant centre for political decisions. The Castle of the King hosted Courts on several occasions, including the most significant one in 1214. A boy of just six years of age, the future James I the Conqueror, was crowned king of Aragon and Catalonia. Additionally, significant agreements were signed there, such as the Paréage of Andorra (1278 and 1288) and the Querimonia of Val d’Aran (1313).

The Military Fortification

17th Century – 19th Century Turo de la Seu Vella, Lleida

A Window into Lleida’s Military Fortifications from the 17th Century to the 19th Century

Lleida is a city with a rich history. One of the most prominent historical sites in the city is the Turo de la Seu Vella Historical Monuments Complex. This site is a collection of buildings and structures that tell the story of Lleida’s military fortifications from the 17th century to the 19th century.

The Turo de la Seu Vella Historical Monuments Complex is located on a hill overlooking the city of Lleida. The hill has been a strategic location for military fortifications for centuries. The structures at the Turo de la Seu Vella Historical Monuments Complex were built to protect the city from attacks.

The complex includes several buildings and structures, each with its own unique history and architecture. The most prominent structure is the Seu Vella Cathedral. This stunning Gothic cathedral was built in the 13th century. It was originally a Romanesque structure, but it was rebuilt in the Gothic style after a fire in the 14th century.

The military fortification known as the Citadel

In addition to the Seu Vella Cathedral, the Turo de la Seu Vella Historical Monuments Complex also includes a military fortification known as the Citadel. It was a massive structure, with walls that were over 10 meters high and 3 meters thick. By the 19th century, the Citadel was one of the most impressive military fortifications in Spain.

Today, the Turo de la Seu Vella Historical Monuments Complex is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world. The complex offers a fascinating look at Lleida’s history and the role that military fortifications played in protecting the city from harm.

Visitors can explore the Seu Vella Cathedral and admire its stunning architecture, or they can walk along the walls of the Citadel and imagine what it must have been like to defend the city from attack. The complex also includes a museum, which showcases artefacts and exhibits.

Renovations Turo de la Seu Vella Lleida

This historic tower is located in the city of Lleida, in the Catalonia region of Spain. The tower dates back to the 12th century and was once part of a larger complex that included a cathedral, a palace, and other buildings. The tower has also been used as a military stronghold, a prison, and a bell tower.

In recent years, It has undergone a major renovation project aimed at restoring the tower to its former glory and making it more accessible to visitors. The Catalan Government has invested more than 18 million euros in the project.

The renovation project included a number of different elements. One of the most important was the restoration of the tower’s exterior. It had suffered from years of exposure to the elements. The walls have been cleaned and repaired and a new roof added to stop further damage.

Construction of new visitor facilities Turo de la Seu Vella Lleida

In addition to the restoration of the tower’s exterior, the renovation project also included the construction of new visitor facilities. A new entrance pavilion was also built at the base of the tower. Also a visitor centre and a series of exhibition spaces. The installation of a new elevator and the creation of new pathways and walkways made it accessible for visitors.

The renovation of This place has been praised for its success. It has preserved the historic character of the tower. The renovation has also made it more accessible and functional for visitors. Today, the tower stands as one of the most important cultural landmarks in the city of Lleida, attracting thousands of visitors each year who come to admire its architecture and learn about its fascinating history.

Conclusion

This Historical Monument Complex is a remarkable destination. It offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history and culture of Lleida. Its stunning architecture, beautiful monuments, and fascinating museums make it a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the region. So, if you’re planning a trip to Catalonia, make sure to add Turo de la Seu Vella to your itinerary

Tourism and Visitors Information

It is located in the heart of Lleida and is easily accessible by public transport or car. The complex is open to visitors every day of the week, and admission fees are reasonable. Visitors need to arrive early to avoid the crowds. Then take advantage of the guided tours that are available in several languages.

Visit this Tourist website for more information

Parking in Lleida for free

Aparcament de la Seu Vella

Free parking is available on the museum grounds. Limited Spaces. I arrived at 09.30 and found one of the last few spaces. From this location, you can easily access the town after the visit to the castle and Cathedral. Postcode 25002 Lleida, Spain

Accommodation in Lleida

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