Reials Col·legis de Tortosa

Located in the historic city of Tortosa, the Reials Col·legis de Tortosa, also known as the Reales Colegios de Tortosa, stands as a testament to the grandeur of Renaissance architecture in Catalonia. This magnificent complex, comprising three distinct buildings, offers visitors a glimpse into the rich cultural and educational history of the region. Declared a National Monument in 1974, the Reials Col·legis de Tortosa is a must-visit for history enthusiasts and architecture aficionados alike.

The History of Reials Col·legis de Tortosa

In the 16th century, Tortosa was a bustling city, ranking as the fifth largest in Catalonia. It was during this period that the Reials Col·legis de Tortosa was constructed, primarily to educate young Muslim converts. The construction of the College of San Jaime and San Matías began in 1564 under the direction of Francisco de Montehermoso, although it was previously attributed to Miquel Joan Angles. The expulsion of the Moriscos in 1610 led to the college being repurposed to educate underprivileged youth from the city.

Over the centuries, the Reials Col·legis de Tortosa underwent several transformations. In 1824, it was converted into a Conciliar Seminary, and later, in 1877, it became a confessional school known as the College of San Luis Gonzaga. From 1972 to 1983, the College of San Jaime served as the first headquarters of the National Distance Education University (UNED) in Tortosa. Since 1997, it has housed the Regional Historical Archive. The complex was declared a historic-artistic monument of national interest in 1974.

The Architectural Marvels of the Reials Col·legis de Tortosa

The Reials Col·legis de Tortosa is composed of three main buildings: the College of San Jaime and San Matías, the College of San Jorge and Santo Domingo, and the Church of Santo Domingo. Each of these structures boasts unique architectural features that reflect the Renaissance style.

The College of San Jaime and San Matías

The College of San Jaime and San Matías is the most prominent building in the complex. Owned by the Diocese of Tortosa, it was known as the College of San Luis Gonzaga. This grand two-story building is organized around a central courtyard, which is considered the finest example of Renaissance architecture in Catalonia. The courtyard features three levels of galleries, with the first two levels adorned with semicircular arches and the upper level with lowered arches. The wooden beams and intricate sculptures add to the courtyard's charm.

The courtyard's iconography is a fascinating blend of religious and secular elements, symbolizing the monarchy. The first floor showcases the symbols of the evangelists and 16 sculpted heads in bas-relief, possibly representing the institution's students. The arches on the ground floor and the parapet of the first floor are adorned with a grand sculpted frieze, depicting the coats of arms and busts of 19 royal couples from the Aragonese and Austrian monarchies, from Count Ramon Berenguer IV and Petronila of Aragon to Philip III and Margarida of Austria. The second-floor arches feature medallions with sacred figures, apostles, and prophets, while the corners display the symbols of the four winds.

The entrance to the College of San Jaime and San Matías is a remarkable example of Renaissance artistry. Structured in three vertical registers, the entrance features a semicircular arch flanked by fluted columns with composite capitals. Above the arch, the second register displays the imperial coat of arms of Charles I with the double-headed eagle and sphinxes, symbols of wisdom. The uppermost register houses statues of the institution's patrons, San Matías and San Jaime, in niches, with an image of the guardian angel, the ancient patron of Tortosa, above them. The entrance, dating back to around 1570, is designed as a triumphal arch, harmonizing the ideas of reason, spirituality, and imperial power.

The College of San Jorge and Santo Domingo

Dating back to 1578, the College of San Jorge and Santo Domingo was originally a Dominican convent. Unfortunately, it was largely destroyed during the Francoist bombings (1937-1939), leaving only the simple Renaissance portal with two levels. The portal bears the imperial coat of arms of Philip II and the inscription DOMUS SAPIENTIAE (House of Wisdom), indicating its former role as a university. The Generalitat of Catalonia acquired the property in 2001, and it now houses the Territorial Services of the Department of Education and the Official School of Languages.

The Church of Santo Domingo

Constructed in 1585, the Church of Santo Domingo is a single-nave church with lateral chapels, built in the Gothic style. The central nave is dominated by an archival cabinet from the now-demolished City Hall. The church's standout feature is its ribbed vault, complemented by the grand three-tiered entrance. The lower tier features a semicircular arch flanked by pairs of Ionic columns, while the second tier consists of a frieze with niches for five statues, topped by a curved pediment. The entrance is crowned by the coat of arms of Bishop Izquierdo. The church was secularized in the 19th century and converted into a military facility. In 1906, it was ceded to the City Council and housed the Municipal Museum-Archive from 1910 to 1997. Since 2007, it has served as the city's ceremonial hall and, since October 2008, the Renaissance Interpretation Center.

In conclusion, the Reials Col·legis de Tortosa is not just an architectural marvel but a symbol of Tortosa's rich educational and cultural heritage. Its Renaissance courtyards, intricate sculptures, and historical significance make it an unmissable destination for anyone visiting this beautiful Catalonian city.