Plaça Major i antiga Casa de la vila - English
THE PLAÇA MAJOR AND THE FORMER TOWN HALL
The Plaça Major in Arbeca is a space of great historical, social, and cultural value that is located in the middle of the walled town, between the old portal of Saint John, the main entrance to the town, and the old church of Saint Lucia, now Saint James. Like the vast majority of main squares in Catalan towns, for centuries the Plaça Major represented a meeting and activity point, not only in the commercial sense, but also in the political and social sphere. The transformation of this square reflects the evolution of the town itself, from its beginnings to the present day.
The square's origins date to mediaeval times, when the town of Arbeca was an important trade centre within the region of Les Garrigues. The town was walled and the central square was the point where commercial and market activities were concentrated, with a large number of shops, taverns, and other businesses, making it the focal point of the town. Later, it also had a political and judicial function since it was the place where legal proceedings and municipal councils were held.
During the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries, the Plaça Major maintained its commercial and social status and was easily the leading location for the town's daily life as it was also a space for celebration during religious festivals and other civic events, such as the fair and the weekly market. This period also saw the creation of the first modern municipal infrastructure, such as the wells and fountains in the square. The result of this frequent and relevant activity was the construction of a set of arcade-lined houses that belonged to the leading families of the town. The facades have survived to the present day.
The new Town Hall was built on the main square in 1784, since the previous one, located on Carrer Sant Jaume, had become too small and, even worse, represented the site of political, social, and vindictive confluence in the town. During the Second Republic and the period of the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), both the square and the Town Hall played an important role.
The political context, with the Revolutionary Committee taking on municipal powers, profoundly marked the decisions that were made during those years and the consequences it had for the people. The Town Hall was a strategic point for addressing the conflict at the local level, actions that were often mediated by the powerful political and trade union organizations in the town which imposed their own judgment. However, work was carried out to protect civilians during the bombardments through the construction of air raid shelters and the adoption of other security measures for all residents, producing what appeared to be a certain normalcy within the devastation caused by the war.
This building, which maintained an importanttown archive with documents dating from the 13th century to that time, as well as other municipal and administrative documentation, was looted, burned, and totally destroyed by uncontrolled border patrol and anarchist militia bands during their disorganized retreat on 4 and 5 January 1939 prior to the entry of Franco's army into Arbeca. The loss of the building and its contents was a dramatic event, as the documented memory of our town disappeared.
Following this fire, the new authorities moved the main office of the Town Hall to the Old Hospital building. Under the new regime, the representatives in the City Council were appointed by the Civil Governors.
Some construction work and projects that were carried out during the Franco regime gave a new appearance to the square, although many of the original constructions were altered to adapt them to the new social and economic realities.
Currently, the square is a public space where various festive and cultural events are held and a meeting point for Arbeca residents.
The Plaça Major in Arbeca is a space of great historical, social, and cultural value that is located in the middle of the walled town, between the old portal of Saint John, the main entrance to the town, and the old church of Saint Lucia, now Saint James. Like the vast majority of main squares in Catalan towns, for centuries the Plaça Major represented a meeting and activity point, not only in the commercial sense, but also in the political and social sphere. The transformation of this square reflects the evolution of the town itself, from its beginnings to the present day.
The square's origins date to mediaeval times, when the town of Arbeca was an important trade centre within the region of Les Garrigues. The town was walled and the central square was the point where commercial and market activities were concentrated, with a large number of shops, taverns, and other businesses, making it the focal point of the town. Later, it also had a political and judicial function since it was the place where legal proceedings and municipal councils were held.
During the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries, the Plaça Major maintained its commercial and social status and was easily the leading location for the town's daily life as it was also a space for celebration during religious festivals and other civic events, such as the fair and the weekly market. This period also saw the creation of the first modern municipal infrastructure, such as the wells and fountains in the square. The result of this frequent and relevant activity was the construction of a set of arcade-lined houses that belonged to the leading families of the town. The facades have survived to the present day.
The new Town Hall was built on the main square in 1784, since the previous one, located on Carrer Sant Jaume, had become too small and, even worse, represented the site of political, social, and vindictive confluence in the town. During the Second Republic and the period of the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), both the square and the Town Hall played an important role.
The political context, with the Revolutionary Committee taking on municipal powers, profoundly marked the decisions that were made during those years and the consequences it had for the people. The Town Hall was a strategic point for addressing the conflict at the local level, actions that were often mediated by the powerful political and trade union organizations in the town which imposed their own judgment. However, work was carried out to protect civilians during the bombardments through the construction of air raid shelters and the adoption of other security measures for all residents, producing what appeared to be a certain normalcy within the devastation caused by the war.
This building, which maintained an important
town archive with documents dating from the 13th century to that time, as well as other municipal and administrative documentation, was looted, burned, and totally destroyed by uncontrolled border patrol and anarchist militia bands during their disorganized retreat on 4 and 5 January 1939 prior to the entry of Franco's army into Arbeca. The loss of the building and its contents was a dramatic event, as the documented memory of our town disappeared. Following this fire, the new authorities moved the main office of the Town Hall to the Old Hospital building. Under the new regime, the representatives in the City Council were appointed by the Civil Governors.
Some construction work and projects that were carried out during the Franco regime gave a new appearance to the square, although many of the original constructions were altered to adapt them to the new social and economic realities.
Currently, the square is a public space where various festive and cultural events are held and a meeting point for Arbeca residents.