Casa Castellarnau (Castellarnau House), Tarragona

Casa Castellarnau was erected at the outset of the 15th century. Over the centuries, this residence has been the abode of influential families, shaping the city's narrative until the 19th century. Notably, in 1542, Emperor Charles I graced the halls of Casa Castellarnau during his Tarragona sojourn, adding a regal chapter to its storied past.

The architectural tapestry of Casa Castellarnau unfolds across different epochs. The ground floor showcases a captivating array of pointed arches from the 14th to 15th centuries. The courtyard and vaulted staircase, adorned with Gothic columns and capitals, harken back to this era. In the 18th century, Carles de Castellarnau assumed ownership, leading to significant alterations in the facade and internal layout.

The main floor harbors rooms adorned with 18th and 19th-century furnishings. The pièce de résistance is the ballroom, boasting a ceiling adorned with mythological paintings by Provençal artist Josep Bernat Flaugier in the late 18th century. The ground floor has been painstakingly restored, with the old kitchen now a testament to historical culinary practices.

Casa Castellarnau serves as a repository for diverse collections. The Molas i Agramunt collection, an eclectic assortment of archaeological and ethnographic pieces spanning various eras, finds a home here. Additionally, the Quintana legacy, featuring a model of the first airplane that graced Tarragona's skies in 1913, adds an aeronautical flair. The collection of Madrid philologist and critic Sánchez Camargo, acquired by the City Council in the 1960s, further enriches the cultural wealth housed within Casa Castellarnau.

Today, the building accommodates the administrative offices of the Museum of History of Tarragona, ensuring that Casa Castellarnau continues to play a vital role in preserving and presenting the city's rich historical heritage.