Ajuntament de Tortosa - Turisme

The Cathedral is perhaps the building that best reflects the passing of time and how this has left its mark on the city. A visit to the cathedral is a must in order to really experience the heritage it represents. It houses the permanent exhibit of Santa Maria de Tortosa. This exhibition enables us to find out more about the city and understand the historical role of Tortosa and its Territory, thanks to the historical funds provided by the Tortosa Cathedral. 

The Cathedral of Santa Maria de Tortosa is located on the site that was originally the place for the Roman forum, which then became a place of worship, then a Visigothic Cathedral and later on a mosque. The former Romanic cathedral was built between 1158 and 1178, located within the current temple site. The construction of the Gothic Cathedral began in 1347 and continued until the middle of the eighteenth century and in the Canonical common areas, founded in the twelfth century.

Despite the long period it took to build, the stylistic unity of the Cathedral should be noted. The sanctuary, one of the most unique elements of the building, is characterized by the absence of walls between the chapels; in this way they form a double walkway around the altar.

The floor plan of the cathedral is formed by three naves with no crossway but with side chapels between the buttresses and covered by cross vaults. Of all the chapels in the cathedral, the one dedicated to the city’s patron Mare de Déu de la Cinta is particularly remarkable. It was built between 1672 and 1725 and is a fine example of mature baroque style, a symbiosis of architecture, sculpture and painting, using theatrical resources so characteristic of this style.

The construction of the baroque facade indicated the completion of the work for to build the cathedral. The original project, according to baroque style, remains unfinished and was simplified to a more classical style, diminishing its decorative elements.

PERMANENT EXHIBITION IN THE CATHEDRAL OF TORTOSA
Connected to the cathedral through a common cloister area, some of the former rooms of the Augustinian Canonical, founded in the twelfth century, have been preserved almost intact. These rooms now house the exhibition.

Roman, Visigothic and Arabic stone epigraphy is on display in the basement, as well as stone elements from the heart of the Cathedral. The tapestry of the Holy Supper, the Transfiguration altarpiece, attributed to the school of Jaume Huguet, The Holy Entombment of Christ altarpiece and a sample of clothing, painting, sculpture, furniture and gold jewellery are displayed in the old refectory. The dowries of bishops Gaufred d'Avinyó and Arnau de Jardí along with a sample of manuscripts and documents from the “Archivo Capitular” can also be found there. In the former dormitory there is an exhibit of the chairs, the Santo Cristo del coro, the Corpus Custody and displays of sacred relics, tapestries, chests and choir books.

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