Virreina Palace facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Virreina Palace |
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The palace's frontage
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| General information | |
| Type | Historical Building |
| Architectural style | Baroque–rococo |
| Location | Barcelona, Spain |
| Coordinates | 41°22′57″N 2°10′18″E / 41.382492°N 2.171667°E |
| Current tenants | Institut de Cultura de Barcelona |
| Construction started | 1772 |
| Completed | 1778 |
| Client | Manuel d'Amat i de Junyent |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Carles Grau |
The Virreina Palace (which means Palace of the Vicereine in Catalan) is a beautiful old building in Barcelona, Spain. You can find it on the famous street called La Rambla. Today, this palace is a busy place for art and culture. It is home to the City Council's Culture Institute, which is a group that organizes many fun events. The palace often hosts exciting art exhibitions and other cultural activities for everyone to enjoy.
Contents
A Palace with a Story
Who Built the Virreina Palace?
The Virreina Palace was built a long time ago, between 1772 and 1778. It was made for a very important person named Manuel d'Amat i de Junyent. He was known as the Viceroy of Peru. A viceroy was like a governor who ruled a country or region for a king or queen. Manuel d'Amat was the Viceroy of Peru from 1761 to 1776.
Why is it Called Virreina Palace?
The palace gets its name from Manuel d'Amat's wife. In Catalan, the word virreina means vicereine. This is the title for the wife of a viceroy. So, the palace is named in her honor.
The Architect and His Style
The person who designed this amazing palace was an architect named Carles Grau. He created the palace in a special style that mixed two older styles: Baroque and Rococo. Baroque buildings often look grand and dramatic, while Rococo buildings are usually more playful and decorative. Carles Grau was also a sculptor. He designed the fancy decorations above the windows and the beautiful vases you can see on the roof of the palace.
Art and Features of the Palace
The Statue of Our Lady of the Rosary
On the outside of the Virreina Palace, there is a lovely statue. It shows Our Lady of the Rosary. This statue was made by an artist named Luisa Granero in 1967. It adds a special touch to the palace's exterior.
Images for kids
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The grand staircase inside the palace
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The beautiful interior courtyard of the palace
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The statue of Our Lady of the Rosary on the palace exterior
Find Out More
- Official website of the Virreina Palace: https://ajuntament.barcelona.cat/lavirreina/en
See also
In Spanish: Palacio de la Virreina para niños
