Vic (Barcelona)

The Plaça Major or Mercadal de Vic is a monumental porched square at the highest part of the old town, or Dalt de Vic.

It is disputed whether the Church of Sant Pere Apòstol or Sta. Maria la Rodona was the first cathedral church. For centuries the bishops celebrated the first Christmas Mass in this church, and the third in that of Sant Pere. The ancient Church of St. Mary was rebuilt from the foundations by Canon Guillem Bonfil in 1140, and consecrated forty years later by Bishop Pere Retorta. In 1787 it was demolished to make room for the new Cathedral. Bishop Jordi (915–38) reconsecrated the Church of Ripoll and also consecrated that of St. Mary of Manresa. The original cathedral, which had but a single nave, thick walls, and few windows, was replaced by that built by Bishop Oliva. As early as the 13th century, Bishop Raimond d'Anglesola wrote a pastoral letter exhorting his people to contribute towards repairing the cathedral. In 1401 Bishop Diego de Heredia added a transept, and in 1585 the door of Sant Joan was added, but the necessity of a complete reconstruction was soon recognized, and towards the end of the 18th century the building was torn down, and the cornerstone of the new one was laid on 24 September 1781. It was consecrated on 15 September 1803. It is classic in design, a combination of Doric and Tuscan, with a façade of white stone enriched with a balustrade. It has three entrances, corresponding to the three naves, and colossal statutes of its six patrons. The interior is Corinthian. All the monuments and altars were destroyed when the old church was demolished, except the high altar which is of alabaster, in the Gothic style, and was given early in the 15th century by D. Bernat Despujol. Among the chapels is that of St. Bernat Calvó (1233–43), who assisted James I of Aragon in the conquest of Valencia. A Gothic doorway leading to the chapter house has been preserved. The conciliar seminary was begun in 1635 by Gaspar Gil and was finally finished, by command of Pope Benedict XIV, by Manuel Muñoz in 1748. The modern seminary is located in the former Jesuit College. It has sent out many famous men, among them Balmes and the poet Jacint Verdaguer, author of "L'Atlàntida". The episcopal palace was destroyed in the wars of 1640 and rebuilt in stages, being completed by Bishop Veyan. The archaeological museum is in this building.

The MEV occupies a pre-eminent place among the museums of Europe and gathers one of the best collections of Romanesque and Gothic art in the world. services: Multimedia guide in Catalan, Spanish, English and French · Shop · WiFi throughout the building · Wardrobe and luggage room · Rest area · Auditorium Library · Building adapted for people with reduced mobility · Wheelchair rental.

Dedicated to the decorative and applied arts of leather, the collection assembled by Andreu Colomer Munmany is exhibited, focusing on objects made entirely or partially with leather.

Located next to the Holy Sepulcher Temple, it is a complete didactic space about the life of Father Claret, the places where he lived, where he preached, the activities he carried out and in general about the life he had.

Exhibition on the work of the Vigata philosopher Jaume Balmes in the room where he died.

It is the most important monument due to its antiquity. It was built at the beginning of the first century. Unknown for centuries because it was surrounded and was part of the Montcada castle, erected at the end of the 11th century. The walls of the Temple cell formed the inner courtyard of the castle and were recovered from 1882 when the old building that had housed the functions of the residence of the veger, seat of the Royal Curia, barn of the city and prison