Pere Blai facts for kids

Pere Blai (born in 1553, died in 1621) was a talented Spanish architect. An architect is a person who designs buildings. Pere Blai is known for his important work during the Renaissance period in Spain.

Early Life and Learning

Pere Blai likely learned his skills from his family. His father was a master of fountains in the city of Barcelona. His brother also taught him. He worked with another artist named Jaume Amigó. Amigó helped Blai learn a lot about Renaissance architecture. This style of building was very popular at the time.

What is Renaissance Architecture?

Renaissance architecture was a style of building that started in Italy. It was inspired by the ancient Roman and Greek buildings. This style often used:

• Symmetry (meaning both sides are the same)
• Columns (tall, round supports)
• Arches (curved structures)
• Domes (round roofs)

It was a time of great art and learning.

Important Jobs and Buildings

Because of his skills, Pere Blai became the main builder for the diocese of Tarragona. A diocese is an area managed by a church leader. This was a very important job. He designed many famous buildings and parts of buildings.

Some of his well-known projects include:

• The Chapel of the Holiest in the Cathedral of Tarragona (built in 1582). He took over this project from another architect, Bernat Cassany.
• The parish church in La Selva del Camp (also in 1582). A parish church is a local church for a community.
• Two chapels inside the Cathedral of Tarragona: the Chapel of St. John and the Chapel of St. Fructuous (built in 1592).
• The parish church of Cornudella de Montsant (built in 1599).
• The parish church of the Apostle James at Riudoms (finished in 1617).

Designing Famous Palaces

Pere Blai also designed important palaces. In 1565, a person named Lluís d'Icard asked him to build the Palace-Castle of Torredembarra. This building is a great example of Catalan Renaissance architecture. Catalonia is a region in Spain.

He also designed the southern side of the Palau de la Generalitat de Catalunya in Barcelona. This is a very important government building in Catalonia.

Pere Blai's work helped shape the look of many important buildings in Spain during the Renaissance. He left behind a legacy of beautiful and strong structures.

See also

• In Spanish: Pere Blai para niños