Casa Llotja de Mar

The Llotja de Mar, also known as Lonja de Barcelona, is an architectural gem located in the Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera district. This historic building represents a unique fusion of Gothic and Neoclassical styles, reflecting centuries of economic and cultural development in the city. Its origins date back to the 14th century, when it was built as a headquarters for local merchants. Over the centuries, it has undergone numerous modifications and expansions, becoming a landmark for Barcelona’s commercial and cultural activities. The original building was erected between 1384 and 1397, under the direction of architect Pere Arvei. This first Gothic building included a large hall with three naves separated by half-point arches supported by columns, with a wooden roof. This hall, known as the Salón de Contrataciones, was intended for the commercial and contractual activities of merchants, protecting them from the weather and the effects of the sea. From 1457, the Consulado del Mar, the entity that regulated maritime trade, established itself on the upper floor, further transforming the building’s function. One of the most significant episodes in the history of Llotja de Mar was the performance of the first Italian opera in Catalonia, “Il più bel nome” by Antonio Caldara, in 1708, on the occasion of the marriage of Archduke Charles of Austria with Princess Isabella Cristina of Brunswick. This event marked the beginning of the building’s cultural importance beyond its commercial role. In the 18th century, the building underwent a radical transformation under the direction of architect Joan Soler i Faneca, who converted it into an eminent example of Neoclassical architecture. The works, started in 1774 and completed in 1802, added a new facade and numerous interior decorative elements, including the magnificent staircase and courtyard, adorned with sculptures such as the Fountain of Neptune by Nicolau Travé and the allegorical figures of Europe and Asia by Josep Bover, and of Africa and America by Manuel Olivé. From an artistic point of view, the Salón Dorado is one of the highlights of the building, housing the neoclassical sculpture “Lucrecia” by Damià Campeny, a masterpiece of European sculpture. The rooms of the planta noble still preserve numerous works of art today, reflecting the importance of the building as a cultural center. Over the centuries, Llotja de Mar has hosted various institutions, including the Bolsa de Barcelona and the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Jorge. The latter still maintains its headquarters in the building and preserves an important artistic collection, with works mainly dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, Llotja de Mar is the headquarters of the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce and continues to be a symbol of the city’s rich commercial history. The building is used for events, exhibitions, and cultural activities, keeping alive its tradition as a place of meeting and exchange. An interesting anecdote concerns the original porch built by Pere Llobet between 1352 and 1357, which was one of the first elements of the complex and probably replaced an even older structure. This porch was expanded and improved over the years, testifying to the architectural and functional evolution of Llotja de Mar.