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Tortosa preserves significant examples of medieval, Renaissance, baroque and modernist architecture. It has been declared to be Historic-Artistic Heritage and some of its buildings, such as the castle of La Suda, (now converted to a Parador), are National Monuments. The town's exceptional strategic location and the fertile soil of the Ebro Valley has decisively determined the town's economy and wealth throughout history. These features, together with the control of the river mouth, guaranteed commercial and military control of a region that made Tortosa a prosperous, affluent town in both medieval and modern times. In remembrance of its illustrious past, Tortosa celebrates a yearly Renaissance Festival, held during the last fortnight of July. The stage set by the façades of the town buildings, dressed with flags and festive lighting, the colours of traditional costume, from the most luxurious to the most common, the music, and the widest possible assortment of shows and performances, take you back in time to the splendour of a 16th-century town. Near the river is the old part of town, with its 14th-century Gothic Cathedral with a baroque façade from the 15th century, as well as the chapel of La Cinta, from the 18th century, with Italian marble and jasper from Tortosa. Visitors can also admire the Episcopal Palace, built in the 14th century, with a courtyard, gallery and an outstanding stairway, while inside there is a chapel from 1316, with a multicoloured stone door and sculpture from the 14th century. Also of interest are the Gothic cloister of the convent of Santa Clara (14th century); The Royal Colleges of Tortosa, founded by Carlos V in 1564 for the education of subject Muslims; the modernist market with its metal structure; the Exchange (from the 14th century), where the price of wheat was established for the whole of the western Mediterranean basin, as well as a tour of the Remolins neighbourhood, where you will find the old Jewish quarter, calle de Els Gentilhomes and the palace of the Despuig family. |
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