A discovery at La Llotja de Mar
History, economy, culture and architecture merge in a unique building that has its origins in the 14th century.
In the last part of 2022, many guided visits have been organised to La Llotja de Mar – a building that, due to its characteristics, is considered a singularity on the European continent, combining art, history, culture and economy. The visits are organised by the organisation Cases Singulars and will take place most weekends between 8 October and 31 December. They will be offered in three languages: Catalan, Spanish and English.
The building dates back to the Middle Ages, specifically to the 14th century, when Barcelona became a great trading centre but still without a place to meet and negotiate. It was the Consell de Cent that promoted its construction, and the Consolat de Mar, the ruling elite of Barcelona's merchant class, who paid for its construction and maintenance. The Consolat owned the property, while the Consell de Cent, Barcelona's municipal government, was allowed to hold events there. It is currently owned by the Cambra de Comerç. During the course of the guided tour, which lasts about 75 minutes, visitors will discover all the nooks and crannies of the building, such as the Contracting Hall, which is the oldest space (it was completed in 1397) and was used for merchants' meetings and for concluding business deals; also the Tarongers Courtyard, where there used to be orange and lemon trees that were uprooted during the neoclassical renovation of La Llotja. As a result of this renovation work, they built the imposing staircase of honour and the Gilded Hall. The visit also includes the Lucretia Hall, which houses the portraits of all the presidents of the Chamber of Commerce, and the Consuls' Hall, which dates from the same period as the Contracting Hall and was used as a storeroom and archive.
You can register for the visits at this link.