Arxiu Nacional de Catalunya

The National Archive of Catalonia has a double function. On one hand it is the General Administrative Archive of the Generalitat de Catalunya, and on the other hand it is the Historical Archive of Catalonia.

As the General Administrative Archive of the Generalitat de Catalunya it stores, retrieves and administers the documentation generated by the political and administrative processes of the various departments, bodies and companies linked to the Generalitat de Catalunya.

As the Historical Archive of Catalonia it holds all other documentation which, in line with legislation, has special importance for an understanding of Catalonia's national history.

 

The Archive's mission is:

 

To administer and conserve the Government of Catalonia and the public Administration's archives and records, as well as those of private individuals and Catalan organisations and bodies, to enable people to use them to gain a better understanding of this documentary heritage.

 

To promote the consolidation of a free, open and democratic society by ensuring access to these documents, since they are essential instruments that guarantee the exercise of citizens' rights and control over the actions of the public authorities.

 

To facilitate people's historical understanding of Catalonia's national identity and to enhance citizens' cultural and intellectual life.

 

Notable amongst the documentation kept by the National Archive of Catalonia is the photographic collection. It is particularly outstanding on account of its importance and the large number of consultations made. At the present time the Archive has more than four million images, produced by all means and in all formats and media, from 1840 until the present day. It contains works by such notable photographers as Esplugas, Nobas, Areñas, Artigues, Brangulí, Gabriel Casas, Sagarra Plana, Joaquim Gomis, Colita and Pilar Aymerich, amongst many others.

 

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