The Catalan nobility refers to the social class of nobles in the region of Catalonia, Spain, particularly during the Middle Ages and the early modern period. This group played a significant role in the political, economic, and cultural life of Catalonia, often holding land and titles granted by the Crown. They were influential in local governance and military matters, contributing to the region's autonomy. Noble families in Catalonia often had their own coats of arms and were involved in various alliances through marriage. Prominent noble houses, such as the House of Montcada and the House of Cardona, shaped the history of the region. The decline of the Catalan nobility began in the 18th century, influenced by political changes and the rise of a bourgeois class.