  In this article we construct a categorical resolution of singularities of an
excellent reduced curve $X$, introducing a certain sheaf of orders on $X$. This
categorical resolution is shown to be a recollement of the derived category of
coherent sheaves on the normalization of $X$ and the derived category of finite
length modules over a certain artinian quasi-hereditary ring $Q$ depending
purely on the local singularity types of $X$.
  Using this technique, we prove several statements on the Rouquier dimension
of the derived category of coherent sheaves on $X$. Moreover, in the case $X$
is rational and projective we construct a finite dimensional quasi-hereditary
algebra $\Lambda$ such that the triangulated category of perfect complexes on
$X$ embeds into $D^b(\Lambda-\mathsf{mod})$ as a full subcategory.
