1 Catedral
2 Fundació Joan Miró
3 Montjuïc
4 Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC)
5 Museu Picasso
6 Parc Güell
7 Poble Espanyol
8 La Rambla
9 La Sagrada Família
10 Santa Maria del Mar
Barcelona's great cathedral is not only one of the most celebrated examples of Catalan Gothic style, but also one of the finest cathedrals in Spain.
The cathedral is located at the heart of the Barri Gòtic, on the remains of an early Christian basilica and a Romanesque church. Most of the building was erected between the late 13th century and the middle of the 15th century, although the heavily ornate main façade and octagonal dome were constructed at the beginning of the 20th century.
The impressive interior represents a harmonious blend of Medieval and Renaissance styles, with a lofty triple nave, graceful arches, 29 side chapels and an intricately carved choir. Beneath the main altar is the crypt of Santa Eulàlia (the patron saint of Barcelona), which contains her tomb. The 14th-century cloister is undoubtedly the most beautiful part of the cathedral, its garden of magnolias, palms and fountains making a cool retreat from the heat of urban Barcelona. There is even a small pond, with a flock of white geese, supposedly symbolising Santa Eulàlia's virginal purity. A small museum just off the cloister shelters many of the cathedral's most precious treasures. Near the main entrance is the Chapel of Christ of Lepanto (formerly the Chapter House), which is widely considered to be the finest example of Gothic art in the cathedral. It contains the crucifix carried on board La Real, the flagship of Don Juan of Austria during the famous Battle of Lepanto. Despite its grandeur, the cathedral remains very much a people's church. Worshippers outnumber tourists and on Sundays, Barcelonans gather in Plaça de la Seu at noon to perform the sardana, a stately Catalan folk dance which symbolises unity.Address: Plaça de la Seu
Phone: 93 315 15 54
Open: Daily 9-1, 4-7
Bus: 17, 19, 40, 45
Metro: Jaume I
Accessible: Few
Admission: Free;
Other: Ciutat Vella; Museu Frederic Marès; Museu d'Història de la Ciutat; Plaça del Rei
Museum
Phone: 93 310 25 80
Open: Daily 10:30-1
Admission: Cheap
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