Barcelona Cathedral is also known as Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia and is undoubtedly among the most beautiful buildings in Barcelona. Do not confuse Barcelona Cathedral with its counterpart Sagrada Familia, which is more famous.
The Cathedral is located in the heart of Gothic Quarter, one of the most visited neighborhoods in Barcelona.
If you’re planning a tour to Barcelona, this is a must-visit place and the entrance is free. Enjoy it!
1. HISTORY OF BARCELONA CATHEDRAL
Barcelona Cathedral is dedicated to Santa Eulalia, co-patron saint of the city.
A cathedral on the location of the present Cathedral in an old location claimed by a Roman temple had already been constructed during the Roman Empire in 343 AD.
In 985, the Moors demolished the basilica, and the Catalan count Ramón Berenguer I of Catalonia, who began his governance by the age of 11, approved the building of a gothic-style church during 1046 and 1058. From 1257 to 1268, a neighboring chapel was founded, the Capella de Santa Llucia, which later became part of the Cathedral.
The building of the Cathedral that we know today started at the end of the 13th Century and completed after more than 150 years, in 1460.
The existing design of the building was completed in the early 20th century, and luckily, the designers were able to construct the building according to its original design.
2. INSIDE BARCELONA CATHEDRAL
There are many chapels and monuments in the Cathedral which are devoted to almost 150 saints.
In front of the primary alter, there is the Crypt of Santa Eulalia, co-patron saint of Barcelona who suffered martyrdom during the persecution of Christians at the end of the 3rd Century.
She died when she was only 13 years old.
One of the most significant highlights of the inside is the choir. Probably the best case of the Catalan Gothic figure can be found in its stalls.
The wooden pulpit cut by Pedro Çanglada in 1403 is another feature worth noticing.
The entrance is basically free but, once inside, you have to pay 3€ if you want to visit the choir and other 3€ to visit the roof.
3. THE FAÇADE OF BARCELONA CATHEDRAL
The impressive façade of Barcelona Cathedral cannot be overlooked. The front gate and the immense Gothic arch are always attractive for the tourists. In fact, the Cathedral is visited by more 3 million people every year.
In the entrance you can notice a sculpture of Jesus Christ while the sculptures of the 12 apostoles are located on the sides of the main door.
4. HOW TO ARRIVE TO BARCELONA CATHEDRAL
Barcelona Cathedral is in Pla de la Seu, in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, one of the most popular neighborhoods in town.
The closest metro stations are Jaume I (yellow line L4) and Liceu (green line L3).
5. OPENING TIMES TO VISIT BARCELONA CATHEDRAL
In according to the information that you can see on the official website of Barcelona Cathedral, in the list below you can find the opening times to visit the monument:
Week days: 12:30 – 19:45
Saturdays and festive vigils: 12:30 – 17:30
Sundays and festives: 14:00 – 17:30
6. WHAT’S NEAR BARCELONA CATHEDRAL
Barcelona Cathedral is based in the heart of the Gothic Quarter and it is in the center of the city.
From the Cathedral you can go everywhere because if it’s very well connected. If you just want to move by walking, here are some of the things that you can find near it.
Gothic Quarter
The Gothic Quarter, also called Barri Gòtic, is the most central neighborhood in Barcelona and one of the most visited from tourists.
Walking around the area, you will find a lot of interesting spots, like cool bar restaurants, and several tourist attractions. For example there are the Kiss Wall, La Boquería, the MUHBA (Museu d’Història de la Ciutat, the Barcelona History Museum).
La Rambla
La Rambla is a central street in Barcelona that connects Plaça Catalunya and the Port Vell.
If you visit Barcelona, you will walk there for sure. In fact it is invaded by tourists every day.
Walking on La Rambla, you will find so many restaurants and, among the many things, you can visit La Boqueria (located at the beginning of the street).
