1 - The Lo Seo Tapestries - Zaragoza, Spain

The Tapestry Collection

The tapestry collection of the metropolitan Chapterhouse of Zaragoza is considered to be one of the gems of the Spa Due to its age, rarity and number, it is one of the most important collections in the world. It is comprised of 63 pieces and the majority of them are "prince editions": in other words, the first tapestry of each board. The most famous European workshops that worked during the golden age of tapestry (15" and 16" centuries), are represented in it and a visit to it represents a historical run through the main milestones of the textile loom at :Arras, Tournai, Brussels...

The Museum was opened in 1932 and currently boasts three permanent exhibition rooms and a storage room. It exhibits a selection of tapestries pertaining to different series and covering a range of themes (religious/biblical, moral/philosophical, historical, mythological, and astrological). There is also a magnificent exhibition of the artistic works that form part of the cathedral's patrimony.

History of The Collection

The history of the Zaragoza Metropolitan tapestry collection, as other such Spanish cathedral collections, is complex and dates back to the Middle Ages. The Earliest reference is to fourteen Arras hangings in 1499.

Several factors were involved in the growth of the collection. The first factor was donations from Zaragoza Prelates: the donations by Alonso of Aragon, who was Archbishop from 1479 to 1520, are of particular importance as some of the tapestries had belonged to his father, Ferninand 11 of Aragon: donations were also made by Andres Santos, Archbishop from 1579 to 1585, after the episcopate of
Hernando of Aragon. Other church dignitaries and noble citizens of Zaragoza also donated their legacies to enrich the funds.

Secondly, the metropolitan Chapter purchased parts of the collection, either directly from private owners or from public auctions that were organised to raise funds required to carry out the last wishes of the Prelates: this was the case with the eight tapestries from the History of Moses collection that belonged to Archbishop Andres Santo.

The third factor was the exchange system established between the Metropolitan Chapter and the Royal Monastery of Santa Engracia from 1695 to 1703. This led to the inclusionin the collection of some singular pieces that had previously been donated to the San Jeronimo Monastery by Ferdinand 11. This exchange system also led to the addition to the collection of the extraordinary hanging that depicts the expedition of Brutus to Aquitaine, known as the Ships

In the early 20th century several exhibitions and the corresponding literature created awareness of the tapestries, and led to a demand for continuous public display. Following the construction works in the temple that lasted for more than twenty years, the costly tapestry restoration project is now underway. The adaptation of the museum space has been completed.

Since 1985, Caja Inmaculada has spent more than 4,9 million euros to adapt the museum, renovate it and enlarge its rooms, incorporating access for people with reduced mobility. Likewise, CAI has restored twenty one tapestries and has created a modern warehouse to store the tapestries not exhibited in optimal conditions.

Zaragoza la Seo Tapestry Museum
San Salvador Cathedral

Plaza de la Seo s/n 50001 Zaragoza

Tel:   976 29 12 31
Fax:  976 20 07 52

Email:   lasco@cabildodezaragoza.org
Web:     www.cabildodezaragoza.org