Now let’s turn around to take a closer look at the other key building on the square—the Palau de la Generalitat. Spanning around 10,000 square metres, it has housed the Generalitat, the Catalan Government for over six centuries. Construction began in 1400, but the building wasn’t completed until 1640, blending styles from late Gothic to Renaissance. Take the Renaissance façade, designed by architect Pere Blai: the main entrance is flanked by two Doric columns from the 2nd century A.D. once part of a Roman Temple, topped by a row of triglyphs—a nod to classical art. Above, an elegant balcony displays St. Jordi(St George), Catalonia’s patron saint, slaying the dragon. And that colorful dome? Added in the 17th century, it crowns the Chapel of St. Jordi, a religious gem inside a civic palace. But what exactly does a Catalan government do? Let’s find out.