P. Giráldez

Selective Use of Stones in the Medieval Cathedral of Tarragona, Spain: Construction and Historical Reasons

Stone selection is not a random choice for builders and architects. From the Stonehenge Bluestones to Frank Lloyd Wrights “desert rubble masonry” in Taliesin West or Peter Zumthors thermal bath in Vals, the stones selected form a key part of the buildings message, providing special significance for those who are aware of the selection. A clear example of this significance is the Cathedral of Tarragona, Spain. This study details the stones used in the construction of the cathedral between the 12th and 14th centuries, combining Romanesque and Gothic styles. A petrologic description was conducted for all the stones and their physical properties were measured, including thermal expansion, compressive strength, open porosity, density, and hydric expansion. These findings lead to a discussion of the reasons why certain stones were chosen.