The history of El Palau Reial Major

This palace witnessed one of history's most dramatic encounters when Christopher Columbus met Spanish royalty after discovering the Americas. At the heart of the Gothic Quarter's Plaça del Rei, stone steps lead up to where an Italian navigator changed the world's understanding of geography in 1493. The Palau Reial Major, built around 1100, served as the official residence of the Counts of Barcelona and later the Kings of Aragon.

This medieval complex underwent massive transformations during the 14th and 15th centuries, evolving from a simple Romanesque structure into a magnificent Gothic royal palace that became the most important seat of the Catalan Aragonese monarchy. The centerpiece is the Saló del Tinell, a stunning banquet hall constructed between 1359 and 1362 by King Peter IV. Its six massive stone arches span 17 meters without any supporting columns, a remarkable feat of medieval engineering. 

In April 1493, Columbus climbed these very steps to report his voyage to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. Inside the royal Chapel of Santa Àgata, built in 1302, they sang Te Deum Laudamus in thanksgiving. According to witnesses, tears of joy streamed down their faces as they realized the Atlantic had finally been crossed. After the 16th century, the Spanish Inquisition occupied part of the palace for over 200 years.