La Seu Vella, LLeida (Spain).
After the conquest of the Muslim city of Larida in 1149 by the Catalan counts Ramon Berenguer IV of Barcelona and Ermengol VI of Urgell, the need arose to build a cathedral. In 1203 the first stone was placed, though construction continued into the 15th century, resulting in the church, cloister, bell tower, and Canonical House. The Gothic period and early 16th century marked its peak of splendor.
The following centuries brought challenges. During the Catalan Revolt of 1640, La Seu Vella was used as a hospital and armory. In 1707, during the War of the Spanish Succession, it was closed for worship by order of Philip V and converted into military barracks. Its interiors were altered, and much of its heritage was lost or damaged.
Further destruction occurred during the Peninsular War in 1810. Although declared a historic-artistic monument in 1918, it suffered again during the Civil War in 1936 when it became a concentration camp and remained military barracks until 1948. Only then did restoration efforts begin.
Today, La Seu Vella stands as a symbol of Catalonia's enduring history. Its bell tower, cloister, and preserved interiors reflect centuries of architectural and cultural evolution, serving as a powerful testament to resilience and artistic legacy.
Siege of Lleida (Lerida) in 1707, by Gabriel Bodenehr (1720).
