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Virreina Centre de la Imatge

This cultural centre dedicated to the world of the image has a powerful, free-admission programme which ranges from photos to audiovisuals, literary festivals and digital documents. Besides its temporary exhibitions, the Virreina Centre de la Imatge offers permanent displays of Barcelona’s giant festival figures. The centre organises guided tours of its exhibitions once a week. These are free and do not require any booking in advance.

A Catalan civil Baroque gem

What makes this mansion on the  Rambla (next to C/ Carme) so unique is its architecture, whose style is somewhat unusual in Barcelona. It was built at the end of the 18th century by the then Viceroy of Perú, the Marquis of Castellbell, and became the residence of his widow, hence its name. This Barcelona residence of the Viceroy, with a style somewhere between Baroque and Rococo, was declared a national monument in 1941 by the Spanish state. It is worth spending a moment contemplating the building itself, starting with its façade, which is decorated with balconies and pillars and crowned by an imposing 12-vase balustrade. Rising from the shady courtyard are two majestic staircases, one on either side, which ascend to the main floor of the palace, where temporary exhibitions are held.