Casa Castellarnau de Tarragona is one of the few noble homes in the city of Tarragona that has been fully preserved to this day. It is a grand Catalan stately home that dates back to the early 15th century and is a fascinating beauty, filled with incredible antique furniture, objects, and works of art. Once the home of the powerful Castellarnau family, it is now the Museu d'Història de Tarragona, or History Museum of Tarragona. Showcasing 1700s and 1800s furniture & decorative objects in the setting of a stunning restored aristocratic residence, this inexpensive museum is a great place to go and step back through time for an afternoon while exploring the city.
Carrer Cavallers was the street on which all of the city’s noble families lived during the Middle Ages and this home, number 14, was built in the 15th century for one of these families. It has, however, undergone many different periods of restoration and refurbishment throughout the centuries, largely reflecting 18th and 19th century alterations today. In the 18th century the building was purchased by Carles de Castellarnau and under his direction there were significant changes made to both the façade and to the interior and layout of the building.
Carrer Cavallers was the street on which all of the city’s noble families lived during the Middle Ages and this home, number 14, was built in the 15th century for one of these families. It has, however, undergone many different periods of restoration and refurbishment throughout the centuries, largely reflecting 18th and 19th century alterations today. In the 18th century the building was purchased by Carles de Castellarnau and under his direction there were significant changes made to both the façade and to the interior and layout of the building.
When visiting today, you can explore the exceptionally lovely courtyard, the exhibition spaces, and a number of rooms on the main floor that showcase the well-preserved and beautiful historic interiors of the home. The highlight of all of this has to be the ballroom, which features a ceiling decorated with an incredible series of paintings based on mythological themes that was executed by the Provencal painter Josep Bernat Flaugier at the end of the 18th century. The restored old kitchen on the ground floor is also an interesting feature.
If you have found a vacation rental in Catalonia and you are exploring Tarragona, this little gem is an interesting stop to pop into a quick itinerary of the rich historic and cultural heritage of this beautiful city in Spain.
If you have found a vacation rental in Catalonia and you are exploring Tarragona, this little gem is an interesting stop to pop into a quick itinerary of the rich historic and cultural heritage of this beautiful city in Spain.
Photo credits:
Picture 1: jqmj / CC BY-SA 2.0;
Picture 2: Enfo / CC BY-SA 3.0
Picture 1: jqmj / CC BY-SA 2.0;
Picture 2: Enfo / CC BY-SA 3.0