In the city of saints

Vic has been greatly influenced historically by the fact that it is an episcopal see. Thus, a good place to start the route, due to its historical and artistic importance, is the Sant Pere Apòstol cathedral. Outside, we can see the slender bell tower, which retains the austere beauty of the Romanesque style. Inside, which is magnificent throughout, highlights include the fascinating Romanesque crypt, the Baroque chapel of Sant Bernat, the Gothic cloister and main altarpiece, as well as the huge paintings on the walls by Josep Maria Sert. Do not miss the Episcopal Museum right next door, with its first-rate collection of religious art. The centre dates back to 1891, but the current building is from the early 21st century and has been carefully designed to house the works in each collection. Jaume Huguet’s Epiphany Altarpiece, the Virgin of Boixadors, the Descent from the Cross of Erill la Vall and an altar frontal from the time of the Taifa kingdoms are just four of the 20,000 masterpieces on display.

One of the things you must do in Vic is to wander through the streets of the old town, a network of buildings from different periods and small squares, with some buildings that may surprise you, such as the Roman temple from the 2nd century, when Vic was called Ausa. Sooner or later, you are bound to end up at Plaça Major, which is considered by many to be one of the wonders of Catalonia. The huge central esplanade has been filled with market stalls on Tuesdays and Saturdays since time immemorial, whereas throughout the year it hosts many other events (the Mercat del Ram [agri-food exhibition], Medieval Market, Live Music Market, etc.). All around, the arcades are the prelude to a wide range of bars and restaurants, and the base of Baroque, Renaissance and Art Nouveau buildings (Tolosa, Moixó, Comella, Beuló houses, etc.), imbuing the whole ensemble with great elegance.

If you have some time, go see the Romanesque Queralt bridge spanning the Meder river, explore the Leather Art Museum or enjoy a show at L'Atlàntida, Centre d'Arts Escèniques d'Osona.