Cathedral Basilica of St Peter of Vic

The Cathedral Basilica of St Peter of Vic, officially known as the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle (Catalan: Catedral de Sant Pere Apòstol), is a significant Roman Catholic cathedral located in Vic, Catalonia, Spain. It serves as the episcopal see for the Diocese of Vic and is distinguished by its rich architectural history, incorporating elements from Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical periods.

History and Architecture

Historical records indicate the existence of a cathedral in Vic as early as 516 AD. Following destruction during the Arab invasion of 717-718, a provisional church was built in 886. The cathedral was rebuilt in the 10th century with stone and featured three naves. A pivotal reconstruction occurred in the 11th century under Bishop Abat Oliba, who reimagined the cathedral in a monumental Romanesque style, consecrated in 1038. From this Romanesque era, the bell tower and crypt remain, the latter notable for its preromanesque capitals.

Later centuries saw additions and modifications. The upper cloister was initiated in 1318, and the main alabaster altarpiece, dedicated to the Virgin Mary and Saint Peter, was completed by Pere Oller in 1428. The current neoclassical cathedral was constructed between 1781 and 1803, designed by Josep Moretó i Codina. This structure, while academically neoclassical, has been critiqued by scholars for its proportions and ornamentation.

Interior and Artistic Decoration

The interior of the cathedral comprises three naves of equal height, a pronounced transept, and a polygonal apse. A notable artistic contribution to the cathedral is the work of Catalan painter Josep Maria Sert. He decorated the vast interior walls, first between 1926 and 1930. This initial decoration was largely destroyed by fire in 1936 at the start of the Spanish Civil War, which also significantly damaged the vaults and dome. Sert undertook a second decoration between 1939 and 1945, which is what can be seen today, although he died before completing the final paintings, which were finished by his disciples.

The iconography of Sert's murals follows a cycle of the mystery of redemption, featuring scenes from the life and passion of Christ. The altarpiece, dated between 1420 and 1427, is a significant piece of alabaster work. The cathedral also houses Baroque chapels and the tomb of Bishop Josep Torras i Bages. The Episcopal Museum of Vic is located on the upper floor of the cathedral's cloister.