Barcelona Cathedral
-
From its Gothic cloister and Baroque chapels to its splendid, 19th-century façade, the Cathedral, dating from 1298, is an amalgam of architectural styles, each one paying homage to a period in Spain’s religious history. Records show that an early Christian baptistry was established here in the 6th century, later replaced by a Romanesque basilica in the 11th century, which gave way to the current Gothic Cathedral. This living monument still functions as the Barri Gòtic’s spiritual hub.
For more churches in Barcelona see Charming Churches & Chapels For more sights in the Barri Gòtic & La Ribera see Barri Gòtic & La Ribera
-
1. Main Façade
The 19th-century façade – reaching up to 70 m (230 ft) – draws your gaze up. Flanking the eye-catching entrance are twin towers, Modernista stained-glass windows and 100 carved angels.
-
2. Choir Stalls
The lavish choir stalls (1340), crowned with wooden spires, are decorated with colourful coats of arms by artist Joan de Borgonya.
-
3. Cloister
Graced with a fountain, palm trees and roaming geese, the cloister dates back to the 14th century. The mossy fountain is presided over by a small, iron statue of Sant Jordi (St George).
-
4. Crypt of Santa Eulàlia
In the crypt’s centre lies the graceful alabaster sarcophagus (1327) of Santa Eulàlia, Barcelona’s first patron saint. Reliefs depict her martyrdom.
-
5. Capella del Santíssim Sacrament i Crist de Lepant
This 15th-century capella (chapel) features the Christ de Lepanto, which, legend has it, guided the Christian fleet in its 16th-century battle against the Ottoman Turks.
-
6. Capella de Sant Benet
Honouring Sant Benet, the patron saint of Europe, this chapel showcases the 15th-century altarpiece Transfiguration of the Lord by illustrious Catalan artist Bernat Martorell.
-
7. Capella de Santa Llúcia
This lovely Romanesque chapel is dedicated to Santa Llúcia, the saint of sight and vision. On her saint’s day (13 December), the blind (els cecs ) arrive in droves to pray at her chapel.
-
8. Nave & Organ
The immense nave is supported by soaring Gothic buttresses, which arch over 16 chapels. The 16th-century organ looming over the interior fills the Cathedral with music during services.
-
9. Pia Almoina & Museu Diocesà
The 11th-century Pia Almoina, once a rest house for pilgrims and the poor, houses the Museu Diocesà, with Romanesque and Gothic works of art from around Catalonia.
-
10. Casa de L’Ardiaca
Originally built in the 12th century, the Archdeacon’s House sits near what was once the Bishop’s Gate in the city’s Roman walls. Expanded over the centuries, it now includes a leafy patio with a fountain.
Advertisement
-
-
Milan and the Lakes guide
collee
-
The Algarve guide
erinca
-
Berlin guide
ivolol
-
terreyp's Paris guide
terrey
-
Stefans Vienna Guide
stefan
-
-
-
Colette's Dublin
colett
-
Paris guide
Gianck
-
dilyana's Madrid guide
dilyan
-
European Balloon FestivalEvery year in the Catalonian town of Igualada, 40 hot air balloons from around the world take to the sky during the biggest balloon festival in Spain, and one of the largest in Europe. Read more
-
International Dance Festival in Urban LandscapesThe International Dance Festival in Urban Landscapes takes place across three Catalonian cities: Marató, Sabadell and Barcelona. For four days, every inch of urban space - public buildings, parks,... Read more
-
SummercaseThe Summercase festival visits the Parc del Fòrum in Barcelona and Boadilla del Monte in Madrid on successive days, featuring an all-star line-up of more than 50 acts. Read more
-
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street BandBruce Springsteen and the E Street Band continue to tour their first new studio album together for five years - Magic. These dates are at the Nou Camp in Barcelona. Read more











symbol, to start adding attractions to your
tailor-made travel guide.
If you were signed in, you could write a review here. Register for a free account, or if you're already a member, sign in.