Passeig de Gràcia Plaça Catalunya

Palau Pedralbes

Palau Pedralbes

Palau Pedralbes

Pedralbes Palace is today the seat of the headquarters of the Union for the Mediterranean.

 

 

Palau Pedralbes

Palau Pedralbes

 

 

 

In the past it was used by the Spanish Royal family when visiting the city. Given National Historic status in 1931. Now open to the public, it has a museum with a permanent collection including decorative ceramic pieces, Catalan and Arabic pottery and works by Miró and Picasso. The gardens were designed by J.C.Forestier; Royale Mayor Palace, (13th century) used by the Counts of Barcelona and Royal family during that period. It houses the famous Tinell room (14th century) which was used by the Reyes Católicos (Catholic King and Queen) to welcome Christopher Columbus following his return from America..

 

The Palace has its origins in the old country house of Can Feliu, from the 17th century. The country estate was acquired in 1862 by the Count Eusebi Güell, along with the neighbouring house Can Cuyàs de la Riera, which created an extensive estate. Subsequently Count Güell gave up the house and part of the gardens to the Crown. At this point the buildings were remodelled and converted into a Royal Palace (1919-1924), designed by the architects Eusebi Bona y Francesc Nebot.
The gardens were designed by Nicolau Rubió i Tudurí in 1924, a project which placed a large number of existing trees into a decorative geometric layout. The main access to the building from Diagonal Avenue is presided by a beautiful sculpture designed by Eulàlia Fàbregas de Sentmenat, and that bears the meaningful name of Mediterrània. Meandering through the gardens one finds a fountain created by Antoni Gaudí which during recent years was completely hidden by dense vegetation. It was rediscovered at the start of the 1980s and is the star attraction of a charming corner of the garden. In the gardens of the Palace one can find pine trees, eucalyptus, magnolias, acacias, bamboos, palm trees, cypress, cedars, lime trees, ivy as well as benches made from bamboo and luminous fountains created by Carles Buïgas.

 

Pedralbes Palace in Video:

 

Pedralbes Palace today 

The Spanish port city of Barcelona is from November 2008 the seat of the headquarters of the Union for the Mediterranean, French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner and his Egyptian counterpart, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, said i November 2008 in Marseille. Agreement on what had been a bone of contention among the 40-plus members of the union was reached overnight during a meeting of foreign ministers from European Union members and their counterparts from Mediterranean states.

 

The headquarters is now be housed in the 17th-century Palace of Pedralbes, on the grounds of which stands a fountain  "Font d’Hèrcules" created by the legendary Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi.
Kouchner said the foreign ministers had also agreed to allow the Arab League to participate at all future meetings of the group, but without any voting rights.
It was also decided that the Union for the Mediterranean's general secretary is to come from a southern country, and that he or she would have five deputies, including one Palestinian and one Israeli.
Finally, the foreign ministers agreed that the group would be called Union for the Mediterranean, rather than the Barcelona Process Union for the Mediterranean, a reference to the original EU Mediterranean initiative.

Palau Pedralbes

Av Diagonal, 686 , 08034 Barcelona, Spain

Area: Les Corts
Website: Palau de Pedralbes - Barcelona
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm. Closed on 1st January, 1st May, 24th June and 25-26 December
Phone: 00 34 93 256 34 65
Metro/Bus: Metro: L3 Palau Reial
Barcelona metro map
Last comment
ahah
ohoho (18 Sep 2023 - 08:24)
ah ah always laugh out loud when I hear about Union for the Mediterranean.
Add a new comment View comments

Nearby best places

  • Central de la Estilogràfica
    Shop

    Central de la Estilogràfica

    Central de la Estilogràfica is a shop in Barcelona specialized in writing instruments and a a long experience in repairs and restorations...

    Eixample right - C/ Roselló, 207
  • Tapas, 24 Camp Nou - Barcelona
    Restaurant

    Tapas, 24 Camp Nou

    The Gastro of the Camp Nou

    Soccer fans here's a new good reason to go to the Camp Nou, the opening of a new Carles Abellan’s fast-food: Tapas, 24 Camp Nou!

    Les Corts - Aristide Maillol, 6-18 (Les Corts)
  • Pedralbes centre
    Shop

    Pedralbes Centre

    Pedralbes Centre is a urban shopping centre with a different feeling...

    Eixample left - Avinguda Diagonal, 609-615
  • Chennai Masala Dosa - Barcelona
    Restaurant

    Chennai Masala Dosa

    A real South Indian restaurant

    Are you a soccer fan but also a vegetarian? We have the solution for your pre or post-visit to the Camp Nou or your pre-match. Just a few blocks from the famous stadium, the Indian restaurant Chennai Masala Dosa is one of the little wonders of the very pleasant district of Les Corts...

    Les Corts - Carrer de Galileu, 326,

Last comments

Frinniella - 28 Sep 2023 - 07:50
I really do recommend a visit.
We don't talk enough about this palace, which is really very beautiful... Unfortunately, the façade was being restored at the time of our visit but the interior is simply magical. The price is a bit high, but like many monuments and museums in Barcelona, it's worth it.
Dnila - 27 Sep 2023 - 08:00
I would have loved to have seen some corridas
No more bullfights for years... sad... I think José Tomas was the last to fight here for a memorable bullfight... This place has the merit of still existing for shows.It's an impressive building that could hold up to 24,000 people. Rather well preserved, admission costs €6.
oLi - 27 Sep 2023 - 08:00
for the lovely view of Barcelona
A lovely view of Barcelona and its port, but no real interest in the design of the building, which remains a military defence building.
happy Ludo - 26 Sep 2023 - 07:32
An oasis of peace in Barcelona
Monasteri Sant Pau del Camp is an oasis of peace in Barcelona, a marvellous little cloister (look for the frog at the foot of one of the original pillars). You are transported back in time in this little monastery of El Raval which once stood in the fields outside the walls of Barcelona, hence its name ... one of the wonders of Barcelona.
Manda - 26 Sep 2023 - 07:32
thanks for the tip
thank you for all this information, so we went there. A wonderful market with all the local products but not the tourists.
Gty2023 - 24 Sep 2023 - 21:40
great local market
Covered market. Very pleasant with the smell of flowers at the entrance. There are tables and chairs in the aisles so you can eat there. Coffee and potato tortillas available.
Sue - 24 Sep 2023 - 21:38
Best interior shop of Barcelona
I came across the most incredible store i have seen in a long time and I have been living im Barcelona for over 20 years. It’s called Pachulí Interior & Lifestyle and is situated in El Born. It’s a bit hidden which is a shame cause I think everyone should experience this authenticity and unique place. Just go and check it out already!!
JeanJean - 22 Sep 2023 - 07:26
free and it's well worth a visit.
A fine venue for free photo exhibitions on La Rambla, in a peaceful setting away from the hustle and bustle of this grand avenue. Whether you're a photography enthusiast or an amateur, it's well worth a visit.

We Recommend >> Must-sees in Barcelona

These are the most recommended things to do in Barcelona for your holidays.

    Barcelona Hotels

    The ideal hotel for your stay

    Whether you are looking for a family or a business stay or just for a weekend, we have selected for you the best hotels in the city to choose from. All categories at all prices. But also the bargains according to your travel dates. Have a good stay!

    Barcelona Hop-On Hop-Off Bus tour

    Barcelona Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

    Best City Tour: One single ticket, 3 routes and 45 stops!

    Discover city sightseeing at your own pace with our selection of Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour tickets. An extraordinary and economic way to make the first connection with main tourist attractions.

    From € 31.00
    Hola Barcelona Public Transport Card

    Hola Transport Card

    Unlimited access to public transport

    Enjoy unlimited access from 48 to 120 hours to Barcelona's public transport: Metro, bus (TMB), urban railway (FGC, Zone 1), Montjuïc funicular, tram (TRAM), regional railway (Rodalies de Cataluny) + 1 round trip from the airport to the city center. Only excluding NitBus, Aerobus & hop-on hop-off.

    From € 16.40
  • 25/10/2023 FC Barcelona VS FC Shakhtar Donetsk
    FC Barcelona Football tickets

    FC Barcelona vs FC Shakhtar Donetsk

    UEFA Champions League
    Wednesday October 25th 2023 - 18:45
    Olímpic Stadium Lluís Companys
    Date and time confirmed
    FC Barcelona Official ticket agent - 2023-24 - FCBOOFM
    From€ 130.00

8 comments

  1. ahah - ohoho (18 Sep 2023 - 08:24)

    ah ah always laugh out loud when I hear about Union for the Mediterranean.

  2. CLOSED (Nov. 2018) - Arno (23 Nov 2018 - 16:24)

    After a long walk from the Fairmont hotel we were very disappointed. With no notices outside the Palau is obviously closed. A large sign post at front that might give notice has nothing on it.

  3. Not Open - Karen (8 Feb 2016 - 08:28)

    The palace and the associated museums in the park seem to be permanently closed. I went on a sunday when it was supposed to be free admission but was told by a gardener that everything was permanently closed.

  4. Access free Sunday - Anne (3 Aug 2015 - 08:12)

    We went there last sunday..according to website we can visit the palace on sunday for free..but it was closed.I doubt they charge on sundays too.

  5. VIDEO HORROROSO - José Angel (27 Oct 2012 - 10:30)

    Es una vergüenza que el Palau de Pedralbes tenga este vídeo tan mal grabado, pésimo de calidad y contenido, como vídeo para que los posibles turistas puedan informarse sobre el.
    Si así es como queremos y sabemos promocionar nuestros lugares turísticos, estamos arreglados.

  6. Tuc tuc tuc tuc tuc - Kawil (26 Sep 2011 - 18:00)

    Esa es la respuesta que obtengo sistemáticamente cuando llamo al número que se indica en la página del Palacio de Pedralbes. Comunica siempre. ¿No hay otro número para llamar? ¿No tienen una dirección de correo? ¿les enviamos palomas mensajeras?

  7. palacio pedralbes - yo (29 Aug 2011 - 09:00)

    estaria bien si pusierais si abre en domingo

  8. Pedralbes Palace and Ceramic Museum - Tourist (8 Mar 2011 - 23:00)

    I thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the Palace, ceramic museum and surrounding gardens. The extensive ceramic collection was fantastic! I bought some beautiful ceramic plates at the gift shop which I now display in my home. The historical significance of the palace cannot be overlooked. The gardens are lovely and peaceful. We visited the Monastery of Pedralbes using the same bus turistic blue line. Neither should be missed if you have a week to spend in Barcelona.

Your comment has been recorded and will be published after moderation.

Close