25. A Catholic city (Under construction)

After the forced conversion of the Jews in 1391, Barcelona became an entirely Catholic city. Under the pretext of ensuring this would not change, the monarchy imposed the new Castilian-based Inquisition. However, the local authorities recognised that the intention was to lessen political freedom and held out until 1487 when they were forced to swear an oath to the new religious royal court set up in the Palau Major, known from then on as the Palau de la Inquisició.

The persecution of converts began to be followed by hounding of Lutherans, while publications were censored and the cult of saints was promoted on walls and in public spaces. Soon the new Baroque aesthetic took hold.