Palace of the Viceroy (Barcelona)

The Palace of the Viceroy, also known as the Palau del Lloctinent in Catalan, is a late Gothic palace located in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. It was built between 1549 and 1557 as the residence of the Lieutenant General (Lloctinent), the representative of the Spanish monarch in Catalonia.

Commissioned by Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor (Charles I of Spain), the palace was designed by Antoni Carbonell and later completed by Pere Blai. It served as the viceregal residence until the early 18th century, when the viceroyalty was abolished.

The building is a significant example of Catalan Renaissance architecture, blending late Gothic and early Renaissance elements. Its features include a large central courtyard with a double-arched gallery, elaborate carved details, and a notable facade.

Throughout its history, the Palau del Lloctinent has served various purposes, including housing the Archive of the Crown of Aragon. Today, it continues to house the Archive of the Crown of Aragon, one of the most important historical archives in Spain, containing a vast collection of documents related to the history of the Crown of Aragon and the wider Mediterranean region.

The Palace of the Viceroy is a designated Cultural Asset of National Interest in Catalonia. Visitors can explore the palace and the Archive of the Crown of Aragon, gaining insights into Catalan and Spanish history.