Barcelona Cathedral

The Barcelona Cathedral (Catedral de Barcelona), which towers over a historic plaza in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, serves as the residence of the Archbishop of Spain and is a well-known landmark of the city.

Twenty-eight lavishly designed chapels, an elaborate, highly carved choir, and a serene cloister with trickling fountains are all features of the cathedral.

The official name of this cathedral is The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia.

Things to do at Barcelona Cathedral:

• Admire the intricate details of the elevation as well as the interiors:

The entrance entryway and the enormous Gothic arch above will capture your attention. The 12 apostles are positioned on either side of the doors, and a stone statue of Christ watches over the entry. Admire the many examples of artisanship used here. Other than this, many gold furnishings, like the imposing altarpiece, a component of the Church of Saint Several, and the 140 saint statues inside the cathedral.

• Make sure to visit the abbey, which has a lush tropical garden, while you're here.

The most well-liked area of the church is arguably this private inner courtyard. A white marble door that supposedly belonged to the first Romanesque cathedral erected there in 1046 is how you enter the cloister. The Old Testament figures on the pillars of the rectangular cloister's four galleries contrast with the New Testament scenes on the vault keystones. Palm trees, an orange tree, magnolias, and a fountain from the 15th century may all be found in the center garden. Additionally, there is a pond where 13 white geese live, signifying the 13 years that Santa Eulalia lived.

• You'll locate the Crypt of Santa Eulalia in front of the main altar:

In addition to the Virgin Mary, Santa Eulalia, a native girl crucified in Barcelona during the Roman era and later co-patron saint of the city, also receives much attention. Lepanto's Chapel shows paintings celebrating Santa Eulalia and a pivotal naval conflict in which the Holy League beat the Ottoman Empire. Visitors may offer silent prayer here.

• The choir holds some of the most vivid details of design:

You may see one of the finest specimens of Catalan Gothic sculpture in its stalls. A notable feature is Pedro Anglada's pulpit made out of wood in 1403.

• Ascend to the top for breathtaking vistas:

Taking the elevator to the roof of the Barcelona Cathedral is a need for anybody visiting the building. You can enjoy a stunning 360-degree picture of the city from here and get a closer view of the fabled gargoyles and the bell tower. You can also take the elevator inside Hotel Colon next door for the most incredible view of the church.

In the neighborhood:

1. If you are passionate about all things Picasso, you should also go to Els Quatre Gats, where Picasso liked to hang out and had his first show.
2. When passing through Cathedral Square, you cannot fail to notice the beautiful facade (Pla Seu).