Old Cathedral of Lleida

Initiated in 1203 by Pere Sa Coma, the first master builder, consecrated in 1278 and finished in the 15th century, the Seu Vella is a combination of late Romanesque and Gothic. In the early 18th century was closed to worship and transformed into military barracks, being replaced like episcopal see by a new cathedral.

Highlights

✔ The impressive cloister with a rectangular ground plan and of huge dimensions, considered like one of the largest in the European Gothic architecture. It is located in front of the main facade of the basilica, quite unusual.
✔ The magnificent Fillols Gate, for a long time the main entrance of the cathedral.
✔ The interior of the cathedral, symmetrical and very bright, with a basilica floor plan of Latin cross with three naves, crossing with octogonal dome and transept with five apses.
✔ The sculptural decoration. The capitals of the columns of the church and cloister and the windows show a great variety of decorative themes.
✔ The Apostles' Gate (14th - 15th centuries), Gothic style, located in the center of the western facade of the cloister. It is the main entrance to the cathedral complex.
✔ The Anunciata Gate, considered the starting point of the Romanesque School of Lleida.
✔ The Sant Berenguer Gate, 12th century, sober and austere.
✔ The chapels and tombs, built by illustrious families or prominent members of the clergy.
✔ The octagonal bell tower, built in the 14th-15th centuries, 60 meters height. A spiral staircase allows to reach the terrace.