Historic places in Perpignan

Historic places in Perpignan

1. See

   Couvent des Dominicains

   This Dominican monastery was created in 1245, housing some 60 monks, and remained active until the Revolution. It has a large 18th century chapel, a chapter house, cloister, refectory and dormitories. The only part you can see is the chapel, used as an art exhibition space. The rest of the complex is military, organising French national service.

2. See

   Loge de Mer

   This was the medieval stock exchange and commercial chambers. It's now the Tourist Office.

3. See

   Monument aux Morts de Perpignan

   Monument aux Morts aux Enfants du 66 de Perpignan

   A war memorial, erected in 1924. It marks the southern tip of Miranda Gardens, a ribbon of green along the line of the former city walls, arcing west towards the cathedral.

4. See

   Natural History Museum

   Extensive collections of the mineralogy, flora and fauna of the Pyrenees. There are also sections with archaeological objects from ancient Egypt, and an ethnological collection from Oceania.

   Jun-Sep: daily 09:30-17:30; Oct-Apr: Tue-Sun 11:00-17:30·Free

5. See

   Palais des Rois de Majorque

   This was built from 1276 on the hill of Puig del Rei, as the powerbase for King James II of Majorca. It needed to be defensive as well as plush, so it was continually reinforced, the last by Louis XIV's military engineer Vauban. The palace is ranged around three courtyards with lush gardens and surrounded by ramparts and eight fortified towers. Enter through the tour de l'hommage, a marble and sandstone gate. The main building has elegant arcades and two side stairs, and contains the royal apartments and two chapels; Sainte-Marie-Madeleine for the queen and Sainte-Croix for the king. There's also the throne room which is monumental. An interesting detail is a frieze with the word "Allah" in Arabic: covering their backs with the Muslim Moors. You can climb the principal tower for a view of the city and the Pyrenees.

   Nov-Mar: 10:00-17:00, Apr May Sep Oct: 10:00-18:00, Jul Aug: 09:30-18:30; closed Jan 1, 15 days in Jan, May 1, Nov 1, Dec 25·Adult €7

6. See

   Perpignan Cathedral

   Basilique-Cathédrale de Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Perpignan

   Work on this large brick cathedral began in 1324 during the rule of King Sancho I of Majorca. The fall of the kingdom and the Black Death impeded works, and the building was only finished in 1509. It became a cathedral in 1602. It's been modified many times over the centuries and the oldest part is the choir with its seven-sided apse. Attractions include the white marble main altarpiece with scenes from the lives of Jesus and St John the Baptist, and altarpieces of Notre-Dame-de-la-Magrana and Saint-Pierre. There's also a small chapel with sacred art of the early 14th century, and a wooden crucifix brought here from the Rhine Valley. The western façade of the cathedral has a bell tower with a bell made in 1418.

   Daily 08:00-17:00·Free

7. See

   Église Saint-Jacques

   Founded in 1260 as part of the city extension, it's in Catalan Gothic style and has many altarpieces. The portal made of marble from Céret was originally in Notre-Dame de La Réal, but was brought here in the 17th century, and a chapel added. On Good Friday it's the start point for Procession de la Sanch, in medieval black hoods.

   Daily 11:00-18:00

8. See

   Église Saint-Jean le Vieux

   chapelle Notre Dame dels Correchs

   Formerly the main church, Saint-Jean was abandoned once the cathedral was completed, and can't be visited.

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Perpignan (CC BY-SA 4.0).