The Paeria Palace

The Palau de la Paeria is the seat of the city’s government.

The building has two main façades; one of Medieval style looks out over Plaça Paeria, while the other, a 1929 neo-Medieval remodelling of the neoclassical structure, overlooks the River Segre. Built in the 13th century, it was given to the city by the Sanaüja family in 1383. The Paeria is the name given to Lleida City Council and it derives from the term paer (from the Latin paciari or man of peace), an honour conferred in 1264 by King Jaume I.

Our Lady of the Paers

The Paeria’s grand chamber houses a 15th century Gothic altarpiece (1451 to 1454) which originally adorned the altar in the old chapel. It shows Mary flanked by Archangels Gabriel and Michael and surrounded by four “paers”. (Room closed to the public, visitable with arranged visits). Mary, surrounded by the four paers, symbolises protection of the city government.

The Dungeon

The city’s jail was housed in the basement in 1486, with separate cells for men and women. La Morra was the name given to the chamber used to house prisoners who had been condemned to death, and graffiti carved by inmates during the 16th and 17th centuries can still be seen on the walls representing crucifixion and keys, as symbols of religious devotion and the deprival of freedom.

The City Archive

The treasures held in the City Archive include a 14th-century Usage Book, the Cabinet of Privileges (a magnificent Baroque cabinet) and, of particular interest, the Carta Pobla or People’s Charter, the first constitution for the citizens of Lleida, dating from 1150.