Episcopal Palace, Astorga, Spain

The Episcopal Palace of Astorga is a building by Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí. It was built between 1889 and 1913. Designed in the Catalan Modernisme style, it is one of only three buildings by Gaudi outside Catalonia.

When the original Episcopal Palace was destroyed by a fire in the 19th century, Bishop Grau decided to assign the design of the new building to his friend Antoni Gaudí. The two had become friends when Grau was Vicar-Generalin the Archdiocese of Tarragona and had inaugurated a church for which the architect had designed the high altar.

When Gaudí received the commission, he was still working at the Palau Güell in Barcelona, and thus he could not move to Astorga to study the terrain and the area of the new construction. He therefore asked the bishop to send him photographs to begin the new project. Gaudí sent his design, and it was approved in February 1889. The first stone was placed in June the following year.

The edifice, built in gray granite from El Bierzo, is in a neo-medieval style harmonizing with its location, including the cathedral in particular. It does, however, also feature some of the elements typical of the later Gaudí, such as the arches of the entrance with buttresses and the chimneys integrated in the side façades. Gaudí had devised a five-meter tall angel to crown the façade, but it was never mounted. The façade has four cylindrical towers and is surrounded by a ditch.

In 1893, after the death of Bishop Grau, Gaudí resigned over disagreements with the council, halting the construction for several years. The palace was completed between 1907 and 1915 by Ricardo Garcia Guereta. During the Civil War the building served as the local headquarters of the Falange. In 1956 Julià Castelltort, a Catalan, began restoration works to adapt the building as a bishop's residence. Later, Bishop Marcelo González Martín promoted the conversion to the current role of the palace, a museum of religious art called Museo de los Caminos, dedicated to the Way of Santiago.

References:

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User Reviews

Bret Luallen (6 months ago)
This is my second visit and the frustrating feeling came rushing back quickly as to why this was not a highlight for me (as the cathedral next-door was). Their audio guide is horrible. The numbers don’t correspond to the app guide and the ones that do barely talk about the exhibits in the room that it should be describing. It’s also a guide on your phone which keeps you from taking pictures and listening at the same time. The cathedral next door has audio guides that are brief and interesting, numbered correctly and they are separate units so you can take pictures with your phone during the guide. If you have your own earphones with the 1/8 inch jack you can even hear it better. If you have to choose between the cathedral or the palace of Gaudí… trust me - as an avid explorer of churches and museums… choose the cathedral. Very frustrating… This visit and the one two years ago.

Laura Vaillard (7 months ago)
A must see place. It is key to understand Gaudi's trajectory

Mark Harrison (8 months ago)
Lots to look at and read about with lots of video explainers etc. Relatively inexpensive too. Well worth a look. We were there for about an hour.

Nils Gröger (11 months ago)
If you are interested in Gaudi and Architecture it is really amazing. Showing a lot material from the olden times is really worth it for 5 euros, but definitly not that interesting for everybody

John Ruiz (mh3mh0) (11 months ago)
The Palace of Gaudí in Astorga is an architectural marvel that truly embodies the genius of Antoni Gaudí. From the moment you lay eyes on its intricate façade, you're transported into a world of whimsy and wonder. Gaudí's signature style is on full display, with organic shapes, vibrant colors, and intricate detailing that captivates the imagination. Exploring the palace is like stepping into a fairytale. Each room is a work of art in its own right, with every corner revealing new surprises and delights. From the grandeur of the main hall to the charm of the hidden nooks and crannies, there's something magical around every turn. But it's not just the architecture that makes the Palace of Gaudí a must-visit destination. The history behind the building adds an extra layer of intrigue, offering insight into the life and legacy of one of the world's greatest architects. Whether you're a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates beauty in all its forms, the Palace of Gaudí is sure to leave you spellbound. It's a testament to the power of creativity and imagination, and a place that will leave a lasting impression on all who visit.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Klearchos Kapoutsis

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