"Benvinguts en Perpinya la catalana", welcome to Perpignan la catalane, can you read about the signs at the entrances to the city. The city announces the color to you! And what colors.... The blood and gold of his flag first of all with his legend of Guifré el Pelut, Count of Barcelona who dipped his fingers in his blood to put them on his golden shield, the blue of his sky, the ochre and red of his facades, the green ones, yellow and orange stalls in Place de la République or Place Cassanyes, and then the colours of its inhabitants, proof that Perpignan is a city of mixed cultures where people have crossed paths or settled down. A city that moves, open to the world with its history torn between France and Spain where identity is a credo. Yes, the people of Perpignan are proud to be Catalans and to belong to this people who have always welcomed stateless, landless and persecuted people, moreover, S. Dali had nicknamed Perpignan station "the centre of the world"... And then listen to this rocky accent that sings like a lively stream, treat yourself, you're in the South!
A concentrate of history
Perpignan concentrates a large number of visits, in particular to trace the history of the "Kingdom of Mallorca" and the golden age of the Catalan city. Starting with the palace, which was both the fortress of the city and the residence of the sovereigns of Majorca in the 13th century. Square, surrounded by six towers, it overlooks the city and opens onto a gigantic central courtyard that overlooks the royal apartments. The austere architecture is enhanced by some Gothic and Mediterranean elements. In 1349 it is the end of the dynasty, but the palace remains occupied. During the Great Schism, Pope Benedict XIII took refuge there in 1408 and during the occupation of Roussillon, Louis XI besieged the city. Two centuries later, after the annexation of Roussillon, Vauban had to consolidate the citadel. Today, the lower part is still occupied by the military. As for the oldest part, it serves as a setting for many cultural events throughout the year and the hanging gardens are an exceptional setting for the many concerts organised each summer.
The prosperity of the kingdom is also reflected in many buildings in the city centre. In particular, it will be necessary to stop at the Town Hall, the former Consuls' House, whose inner courtyard houses a bronze statue of Maillol, La Méditerranée. You will also appreciate the gargoyles and the luxuriance of the decorations. You will then stroll around to discover Casa Julia, the Palace of the Dead or Casa Xanxo. The latter is the Maison d'art et d'histoire de Perpignan and one of the few remaining Gothic houses. Built in 1507 by the rich Catalan draper Bernat Xanxo, it reflects its great commercial success. There are many representations of him and his wife Elizabeth in the house. This residence has undergone only few changes over the centuries, the recently renovated facade retains a 16th century carved frieze representing the 7 deadly sins and hell. Inside on the ground floor, beautiful Gothic vaults and an elegant patio. Upstairs, the living rooms are in rather poor condition, but we let ourselves be caught up in the whole and the many details, the ceilings are of great beauty. You can see the imposing relief map of the city of Perpignan, a copy of the one made under Louis XIV, the original is in the Musée des Invalides in Paris
After having taken a look at the old university, which today houses the archives of Perpignan, at the Pams Hotel in the 19th century style, let's head for Saint-Jean-Baptiste Cathedral, consecrated in 1509 and erected as a cathedral in 1601. It is characteristic of the southern Gothic style, an architectural style that was particularly present in Catalonia in the 14th and 15th centuries
From the Castillet to museums, essential visits
Not far from the cathedral, we find the Castillet, the emblem of Perpignan! With its small castle-like appearance, it is in fact one of the gateways to the city. Built at the end of the 14th century (1368), it was redesigned under Louis XI in order to strengthen its primary vocation as an organ of defence of the city. Its access was always controlled, since it was at this time that the Notre-Dame Gate (1475) was attached to it. But the mutation of the Perpignan symbol does not stop there. Indeed, Charles V was going to add his stone to the building. From watchtower, the small castle became a prison before finally finding, in the 20th century, a more pleasant vocation. Under its surprisingly elongated machicolations and its pink dome bell tower, it hosts the "Histoire de Perpignan" exhibition at Casa Pairal, which includes three rooms devoted to the history of the city. We will discover unique pieces of furniture, integrated into reconstructions of 18th and 19th century bedrooms or kitchens. Before leaving the building, it would be a shame not to climb to the dungeon terrace. From there awaits you a superb 360° panorama of the city, the Canigó and its surroundings.
Other museums are scattered throughout the city. You should not miss the Hyacinthe-Rigaud art museum to learn more about this portrait painter at the court of Louis XIV, the Catalan painter Hyacinthe Rigaud or marvel at works by Géricault, Picasso, Dufy or Maillol. The Natural History Museum will delight families, while to delight little girls, it will be necessary to plan a detour to the Bella Dolls Museum, famous before the Barbie family and manufactured between 1946 and 1984 in Perpignan
The meeting place for photography lovers
A major international meeting place for photojournalism, the Visa pour l'Image festival, created in 1989, brings together photojournalists from all over the world (3,000 accredited professionals of 58 different nationalities) every year in Perpignan at various sites in the city centre with some 30 exhibitions, conferences and meetings attended by agencies and major brands of photographic technology. A perfect opportunity to settle down in the Catalan city. In the evening, screenings relating the most significant events of the year are held at Campo Santo with live coverage on Republic Square (if this does not run counter to various security measures imposed by the news). A must for photography lovers, the festival welcomes more than 230,000 visitors each year. Also educational tools, the exhibitions remain open especially for school groups in the presence of photojournalism professionals, for one week after the official closing date of the festival. This is how nearly 8,000 students from all over France, but also from abroad, can visit the exhibitions each year, commented by actors from the world of photography. A must-attend event.
Smart info
When? When? The omnipresent sun and the mild climate allow you to enjoy the richness of the architectural and cultural heritage, the geographical diversity between the sea and the mountains, and the products of the Catalan countryside all year round. To attend the 2019 edition of the Visa pour l'Image festival, please visit us between Saturday 31 August and Sunday 15 September.
Getting there. By car (A9 motorway from Narbonne, exit 41), by train (TGV station) or by plane (Perpignan-Rivesaltes airport), everything is possible
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