Cathedral at barcelona: Barcelona Cathedral | 14th-Century Gothic Cathedral in Barcelona

Barcelona Cathedral | 14th-Century Gothic Cathedral in Barcelona

Barcelona Cathedral or Catedral de Barcelona is in the heart of the Gothic Centre, a prime location in the city. The stunning Gothic-style church is a must-visit when you’re in Barcelona. Here’s everything you need to know about the Barcelona Cathedral, including its history, what to see, and so much more!

Barcelona Cathedral | Quick Overview

Year of construction: 1298 – 1448

Architectural style: Gothic architectural style and Gothic revival architectural style

Architect: Josep Oriol Mestres and August Font I Carreras

Interior dimensions: 79 meters long and 25 meters wide and each Chapel is 9 meters high

Exterior dimensions: 93 meters long, 40 meters wide, and 28 meters high

Materials used: Various types of sandstones and granite were used to build the Barcelona Cathedral, as well as reinforced concrete for the naves. Thin masonry timbrel makes up much of the vaulting.

What is the Barcelona Cathedral?

• Barcelona Cathedral is one of the largest and most impressive churches in Catalonia. It is also known as the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia. 
• Established in the 14th century, the Cathedral was dedicated to the city’s co-patron Saint Eulalia. Eulalia was a martyr who lost her life after refusing to dismiss her belief in Jesus as the son of God. Her tomb lies in a crypt within the Cathedral. 
• This magnificent church stands as the official seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona and is known for its stunning Gothic-style architecture.

About Barcelona Cathedral

Why is the Barcelona Cathedral famous?

Although often overshadowed by the La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona Cathedral is an important landmark in Catalonia for many reasons. 

The church was built on the same site as a former Roman Temple back in the 12th century. It is proudly dedicated to Saint Eulalia, who was tortured to death during the reign of the Roman Empire. Her tomb lies buried beneath the main altar inside the church. 

Its Gothic and Neo-Gothic style of architecture is truly outstanding. The intricate details, statues, pinnacles, and arches, are a testament to its overall beauty. 

The Cathedral is also the seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona and an important house of worship for residents. 

Plan Your Visit to Barcelona Cathedral

Where is the Barcelona Cathedral Located?

Address: Pla de la Seu, s/n, 08002 Barcelona, Spain

Get Directions

Barcelona Cathedral is located in the heart of the Gothic Center in Barcelona, Spain. The Cathedral and its surrounding square form a pathway to the Gothic Quarter in downtown Barcelona, one of the most fascinating areas in the city.

Plan Your Visit to Barcelona Cathedral

Barcelona Cathedral Timings

Monday to Friday: 8 AM to 12:30 PM and 5:45 PM to 7:30 PM

Saturdays and Public Holidays: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 5:15 PM to 8 PM

Sundays and Religious Holidays: 8:30 AM to 1:45 PM and 5:15 PM to 8 PM

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the Cathedral to avoid large crowds is on a weekday in the morning or at noon. You can catch a glimpse of the festivities inside the Cathedral on a Sunday. 

Barcelona Cathedral Opening Hours

Book Tickets to Barcelona Cathedral

Catedral de Barcelona: Admission Ticket

Instant Confirmation

Mobile Ticket

Flexible Duration

More details +

Combo: Moco Museum with Banksy Artworks + Cathedral of Barcelona Tickets

Instant Confirmation

Mobile Ticket

Flexible Duration

More details +

€26.50

Who built the Barcelona Cathedral?

Construction of the present Cathedral began on May 1, 1298, when James II the Just was King of Aragon at the time and Bernat Pelegri was the Bishop of Barcelona. Built completely from its east end to the west end, the cathedral was finally established in the year 1417 with a simple west facade and a cloister added in 1448. In total, it took about 150 years for the complete construction of the Catedral de Barcelona. 

Much later in the late 19th century, Josep O. Mestres rearranged the original design of master Carli of the central tower and the Neo-Gothic facade. Miguel Girona I Agrafel offered to complete the construction, which was eventually taken over by his children. The work was finally completed in the year 1913.

Barcelona Cathedral Highlights

Paintings

Inside the chapels of Barcelona Cathedral are many Gothic paintings that form altarpieces. Some noteworthy artists involved were Guerau Gener, Gabriel Alemany, Bernat Martorell, Lluis Borrassà, and many others. One such masterpiece is by Bernat Martorell called the Altarpiece of Transfiguration. It shows a series of paintings including Christ on a crucifix surrounded by his followers as well as his resurrection. The museum of the Cathedral also houses an exquisite collection of paintings by artists like Jaume Huguet, Pere Destorrents, and Bartolomé Bermejo who created the masterpiece – The Pieta. La Pieta is a powerful piece showing Mary holding the body of Christ after his crucifixion.

Heart chair

The chairs or the choir are located in the heart of the Cathedral and date back to the 14th and 15th centuries. On the backs of the seats, there are images of the Order of the Golden Fleece from the 16th century, forming the coat of arms. Another highlight of the choir is the pulpit or high chair created between 1394 and 1499 by Pere Canglada and Maties Bonafė along with John Lambert and Anthony Claperós. The pinnacle canopies around the choir were created by Kassel and Michael Lochner, both commendable artists from their time. Finally, you will notice the retrochoir, which is closed off by a marble wall. On the wall are reliefs created by Bartolomė Ordóñez and Pedro Villar.

Stained windows

Many stained-glass windows adorn the walls of Barcelona Cathedral. All of them have 3 panels, where the central panel displays an image of one main character, while the side panels contain geometric designs symbolizing royal families of the city, angels, etc.  

The windows can be divided into 4 periods. The earliest from the years 1317 to 1334 is shown by a figure of Bishop Ponc de Gualba along with the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia. The second period was around 1400 as depicted by Saint Andrew surrounded by other significant individuals of the time. The third period is from the 15th century and forms the most important window representing Saint Michael and Noli me tangere. Finally, we have windows from the 19th and 20th centuries, forming part of the sidewalls and the facade. 

Custody

One of the main highlights of the Cathedral is the glorious Custody. It is made completely of gold and silver and is adorned with jewels, which were donated as a symbol of devotion. Since the middle of the 15th century, the Custody has been made to rest on the throne of King Martin, which serves as its base. It is believed that this throne was given to the church as a donation by King Martin himself in the 14th century.

Vault keys

In total, there are 215 vault keys inside the Cathedral, dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries. After being restored in 1970, the keys were discovered to be polychrome. The vault keys of the central nave include many symbols including Christ being crucified with the Virgin and St. John by his side, Saint Eulalia with the coat of arms of Blance of Naples, and the Virgin of Mercy in her cloak surrounded by the Pope, Kind, Cardinal, and others. One key found in the crypt of Saint Eulalia depicts the Virgin and her Child.

Barcelona Cathedral Architecture

Catedral de Barcelona is known for its Gothic-style architecture. The Cathedral consists of 3 naves and one apse and an ambulatory. This is the typical structure used in Catalan Gothic constructions, which allows for the use of the spaces in-between to have smaller chapels in the Cathedral. There are 2 chapels in each of the naves with 2 large bell towers on both ends without any side chapels. One tower lies above the door of Saint Ivo, while the other is above the entrance to the Cloister. From the terrace of the Cathedral, you can get a close look at the octagonal shape of the bell towers. Large windows adorn the walls of the Cathedral, illuminating the chapels within.

Inside Barcelona Cathedral

High altar

The altar is 3 meters long and rests on 2 capitals. Behind the altar you will find a large image of the Cross surrounded by 6 angels, sculpted by Frederic Marés.

Crypt of Saint Eulalia

Beneath the high altar lies the crypt of Saint Eulalia, constructed at the start of the 14th century by the renowned architect, Jaume Fabré. 

The Choir

Constructed between 1390 and 1519, under Bishop Raymond d’Escales. The stalls, pinnacles, and canopies are in an exceptional Catalan Gothic design.

Cloister

The Cloister consists of 4 galleries with ogive arches and pillars. Sculpted into the pillars of the arches are scenes from the Old Testament and legends about the Holy Cross, while the keystones depict scenes from the New Testament. 

Sacristy

The sacristy with 3 rooms was the result of expansions that took place in 1408 and 1502. The sacristy is also where masses are recorded for the deceased and where the faithful are attended to.

Sepulcher of Saint Raymond of Penyafort

Above the altar of the Chapel of Saint Raymond of Penyafort, you will find a Gothic sepulcher depicting scenes from his life. While under the altar resides a sepulcher showing a prone figure of the saint along with a tomb from the convent of Saint Catherine.

Museum

What was once the site for a soup kitchen is now an elegant museum at the Barcelona Cathedral. Inside the museum, you will find a range of collections from the 11th-century.

Chapel of Saint Lucia

The chapel of Saint Lucia was built between 1257 and 1268 in late Romanesque style. It was originally dedicated to the Virgin Saints, but since 1296 it has solely been dedicated to Saint Lucia, known as the protector of sight.

Chapter house

Located next to the chapel of Saint Lucia is the Chapterhouse of Barcelona Cathedral, built in the 17th century. It is a rectangular space covered by a barrel vault with lunettes that can be accessed through the Cloister.

Facade

The facade of Barcelona Cathedral was constructed by outstanding architect José Oriol Mestres under the guidance of Manuel Girona. It took almost 3 years to complete the construction between 1887 and 1890.

Rooftops

Once you get to the top, you can see the two bell towers, the two pinnacles, the cimborio crowned by the Holy Cross, the Cloister, and some unforgettable panoramic views of Barcelona.

Door of Saint Ivo

For about 500 years, the Door of Saint Ivo was the main entrance to Barcelona Cathedral, located under one of the bell towers. It is the oldest door in the Cathedral, dating back to 1298 when it was built.

Chapel of Lepanto

Constructed in 1407, the Chapel of the Holy Sacrament or the Holy Christ of Lepanto is a rectangular space covered by a large star vault. At the center resides a keystone sculpted by Joan Claperós in 1454, representing the Pentecost. Inside the Chapel is a Baroque sepulcher of Saint Olegarius and one of the Holy Christ of Lepanto.

History of Catedral de Barcelona In A Nutshell

3rd – 4th centuries:

Although there are no proven historical records of the early presence of Christianity, the martyrdom of Saint Eulalia and Saint Cucuphas bear witness to the existence of Christians in Barcelona during the 3rd and 4th centuries.  Recent excavations of the eastern wall of the Cathedral revealed a building with 3 naves separated by white columns – a classic symbol of the paleo-Christian basilica that stood here during the 4th century. 

7th – 10th centuries:

Initially, the relics of Saint Eulalia were hidden in the early basilica to avoid desecration by the Arab invaders in the 7th century. A century later, her relics were miraculously found inside the temple of Santa Maria de Les Arenes. During the Arab invasion, one of the chiefs named Almanzor burned and destroyed the whole city. The basilica, however, remained standing strong until the 10th century.  

When the Romans invaded Barcelona, Roman Berenguer the Old and his wife Almodis along with Bishop Guislabert commanded the construction of a Roman temple on the site of the basilica. Towards the middle of the 10th century, the Roman temple was declared consecrated by the Archbishop Wilfred of Narbonne. This signified the end of the Roman regime in the city. 

12th century – 1913

The present Gothic cathedral was built on the site of the Roman Temple in the 12th century under the reign of King James II of Aragon. About 150 years later, its construction was finally complete when King Alfonso V was in power. Keeping in mind the original designs of Josep O. Mestres, industrialist Manuel Girona Agrafel took charge of adding the central tower and neo-Gothic facade of the Cathedral. This was eventually completed in 1913 by Girona’s children.

All Your Questions Answered About Barcelona Cathedral

Q. What is Barcelona Cathedral?

A. Barcelona Cathedral is an ancient church, located in the heart of the Gothic Center in Barcelona. Its Gothic architecture, dating back to its construction between the 12th and 14th centuries, is truly a majestic sight to behold. It also holds the seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona, making it an important structure in the city.

Q. When was Barcelona Cathedral built?

A. Construction of Barcelona Cathedral began in1298 and was completed in 1420. The central tower and the facade were added much later in 1913.

Q. How old is the Catedral de Barcelona?

A. Catedral de Barcelona has existed since the 14th century when its construction was complete.

Q. What is the Barcelona Cathedral famous for?

A. Barcelona Cathedral is famous for its remarkable gothic and Neo-gothic style architecture. It is a popular tourist attraction, and one of the most important churches in Barcelona.

Q. What is the architectural style of the Barcelona Cathedral?

A. Barcelona Cathedral is built in a Gothic Architectural style, also known as the Gothic Revival style.

Q. Is the Barcelona Cathedral a functioning church today?

A. Yes, Barcelona Cathedral is open throughout the week. The Cathedral is open Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 12:30 PM and 5:45 PM to 7:30 PM. On Saturdays and public Holidays, the Cathedral is open from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 5:15 PM to 8 PM, while on Sundays and religious holidays, it remains open from 8:30 AM to 1:45 PM and 5:15 PM to 8 PM.

Q. How much does it cost to visit the Barcelona Cathedral?

A. The price for an admission ticket to Barcelona Cathedral starts at €9. You can buy your Barcelona Cathedral tickets here.

More Reads

Inside Barcelona Cathedral

Barcelona Cathedral Facts

Barcelona Cathedral Location

La Catedral | La Rambla & Barri Gòtic, Barcelona | Attractions

Barcelona’s central place of worship presents a magnificent image. The richly decorated main facade, dotted with gargoyles and the kinds of stone intricacies you would expect of northern European Gothic, sets it quite apart from other Barcelona churches. The facade was actually added from 1887 to 1890. The rest of the building dates to between 1298 and 1460. Its other facades are sparse in decoration, and the octagonal, flat-roofed towers are a clear reminder that, even here, Catalan Gothic architectural principles prevailed.

The interior is a broad, soaring space divided into a central nave and two aisles by lines of elegant, slim pillars. The cathedral was one of the few churches in Barcelona spared by the anarchists in the civil war, so its ornamentation, never overly lavish, is intact.

In the first chapel (for prayer only) on the right from the main northwest entrance, the main crucifixion figure above the altar is Sant Crist de Lepant; it is said Don Juan’s flagship bore it into battle at Lepanto and that the figure acquired its odd stance by dodging an incoming cannonball. Further along this same wall, past the southwest transept, are the wooden coffins of Count Ramon Berenguer I and his wife Almodis, founders of the 11th-century Romanesque predecessor to the present cathedral. Left from the main entrance is a 1433 marble baptismal font where, according to one story, six native North Americans brought to Europe by Columbus after his first voyage to the Americas were bathed in holy water.

In the middle of the central nave is the exquisitely sculpted late 14th-century timber coro (choir stalls; closed during worshipping hours). The coats of arms on the stalls belong to members of the Barcelona chapter of the Order of the Golden Fleece. Emperor Carlos V presided over the order’s meeting here in 1519. Take the time to look at the artisanship up close – the Virgin Mary and Child depicted on the pulpit are especially fine.

A broad staircase before the main altar leads you down to the crypt, which contains the 14th-century tomb of Santa Eulàlia, one of Barcelona’s two patron saints and more affectionately known as Laia. The reliefs on the alabaster sarcophagus, executed by Pisan artisans, recount some of her tortures and, along the top strip, the removal of her body to its present resting place.

For a bird’s-eye view (mind the poop) of medieval Barcelona, visit the cathedral’s roof and tower by taking the lift (€3; cash only) from the Capella dels Sant Innocents near the northeast transept.

From the southwest transept, exit by the partly Romanesque door (one of the few remnants of the present church’s predecessor) to the leafy claustre (cloister), with its fountains and flock of 13 geese. The geese supposedly represent the age of Santa Eulàlia at the time of her martyrdom and have, generation after generation, been squawking here since medieval days. One of the cloister chapels commemorates 930 priests, monks and nuns martyred during the civil war.

Along the northern flank of the cloister you can enter the Sala Capitular (Chapter House). Although it’s bathed in rich red carpet and graced with fine timber seating, the few artworks gathered here are of minor interest; among them features a pietà by Bartolomeo Bermejo. Accessed from the northwest corner of the cloister, the Capella de Santa Llúcia is another of the few reminders of Romanesque Barcelona (although the interior is largely Gothic). It was originally the chapel for the adjacent Bishop’s Palace and, from the exterior, you can see that, although incorporated into La Catedral, it is actually a separate building.

Although technically it’s free to go into La Catedral to pray, in practice if you go any time during tourist visiting hours, you’ll need to pay. Otherwise, you can enter for free before 12.30pm (2pm on Sunday), though you’ll have to pay to visit the choir stalls, Sala Capitular and/or roof.

Gaudí Cathedral in Barcelona: Sagrada Familia

Gaudí Cathedral in Barcelona rightfully has the status of a cult city landmark. All over the world, this object is known as the Sagrada Familia.

Gaudí Cathedral is considered a major tourist attraction that attracts travelers from all over the world to Barcelona.

This architectural marvel has a complicated history with several tragic twists and turns.

The Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is not a stronghold of a church, as it was not built on church land. It should be remembered that the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia acts as the residence of the archbishop. For some reason, this fact is ignored by many tourists who are trying to find links between the Gaudí Cathedral and the Church of Barcelona where there are none.

Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia

The popularity of the Sagrada Familia is extremely high, so it is not surprising that there are a lot of rumors and conjectures around this attraction.

How the construction of Gaudí Cathedral in Barcelona began

The unique architectural marvel of Barcelona became a reality thanks to donations from ordinary parishioners. The deal for the acquisition of land for the construction of the Gaudí Cathedral in Barcelona took place in 1881. At that time it was located outside the city limits, and now it is in the area of ​​​​the center of Barcelona. The growth rate of the urban area is so significant.

Francisco del Villar was appointed as the first architect of this extraordinary project in Barcelona. From 1882, he worked on the idea, wanting to present to the public a neo-Gothic basilica in the shape of a cross.

Francisco was immersed in work, managed to complete the drawings of the apse with seven chapels. However, there were problems associated with the disagreement of the customer. This escalated the situation and forced the architect to spend too much time defending his vision. Del Villar’s departure came less than a year after the start of work.

He was replaced by the ambitious and discussed in Barcelona Antonio Gaudi, who decided to develop the project from scratch, ignoring the ideas of his predecessor. For Gaudi, one of the key tasks was to ensure the harmony of the offspring with nature.

Gaudí Cathedral in Barcelona: unity with nature

The final choice was made on the concept of a sand castle.

The Gaudí Cathedral, according to the architect, was to become a truly great project, but not encroach on the sacred positions of nature.

The height of the central spire (170 meters) was not chosen by chance: the landmark was the pride of Barcelona – Mount Montjuic. Gaudi Cathedral in Barcelona proves that human imagination is limitless and can lead to amazing results, but nature is the real magician.

7 years after the start of construction, the Gaudí Cathedral received the long-awaited crypt, which originated during the work of del Villar. Antonio Gaudí wanted to present to the world a project that would serve as a visual encyclopedia of the gospel for the residents and visitors of Barcelona.

Gaudí Cathedral in Barcelona has a difficult history of construction. Perhaps the key problem can be considered insufficient funding, which hampered the construction process.

While working on the asp, we managed to get a significant amount. Money opened up opportunities to adjust the project. The main design solutions were not revised, however, to give the appearance of monumentality, Gaudí developed towers of amazing beauty. Thoughtfulness to the smallest detail and graceful forms have become the main features of the Gaudí Cathedral in Barcelona.

What is remarkable about the facades of Sagrada Familia

The attraction is characterized by stunning facades of the Nativity, Glory and Passion of Christ, which win the heart of any tourist in Barcelona. Initially, it was supposed to decorate the Gaudí Cathedral with an unusual combination of shades of ceramics, but later the idea was abandoned.

Of paramount importance for Gaudí’s Cathedral in Barcelona is the Nativity façade:

1. Antoni Gaudí believed that it was necessary to mobilize all resources for its construction.
2. The architect wanted to surprise the inhabitants of Barcelona with the scale of the building and convey to them the main idea.
3. Lizards and snails were used to decorate this facade.
4. During the construction of the Gaudí Cathedral, a lot of effort and time was devoted to the cloister, which symbolizes the portal of the Holy Virgin of the Rosary.

One of the main architectural marvels of Barcelona received its characteristic forms by the beginning of the last century. The outlines of the Gaudí Cathedral became the subject of numerous disputes, in which the inhabitants of the city expressed their surprise and admiration for the architectural genius. Even then, it became clear that the Gaudí Cathedral in Barcelona would take its place among the best Catalan sights.

The architect decided to build a parochial school to develop the idea of ​​the project. Its construction took a year. The parochial school has become one of the notable features of the Gaudí Cathedral. It embodies the main ideas of the architect’s work – the rejection of stereotypes and the use of curvilinear forms in such a way as not to weaken the strength of the structure.

What is remarkable about the facades of the Sagrada Familia

In 1925, an important event took place for the Gaudí Cathedral in Barcelona – the construction of the Nativity facade was completed. To this day, the column of St. Barnabas surprises with its size.

Gaudí Cathedral loses its author: the death of the great architect

June 7, 1926 is considered a turning point in the history of the construction of the Sagrada Familia. As a result of an accident, the architect was hit by a tram, but did not receive adequate medical care. It’s all about his modest appearance and lack of documents with him at the time of the tragedy. It was decided to send the victim to a hospital for the poor, where they did not want to spend much time with him and provided assistance at a minimal level. Gaudi was identified at the moment when precious time was lost.

The death of the great architect of Barcelona took place on June 10, 1926.

He was buried in the crypt of the main project of his life. This decision is explained by symbolism and the desire to provide a link between the Gaudí Cathedral and its author.

Gaudí was buried in the crypt of the cathedral

The next architect of the project was Domenech Sugranes. He was considered, if not the most, then one of the most talented students of Antonio Gaudi.

Building after the death of an outstanding genius

1. In the 1930s, the columns of the Nativity facade were completed.
2. Difficulties in further work were associated with the civil war, which caused difficulties in all spheres of life.
3. During the hostilities, the drawings of the Gaudí Cathedral, which remained from the author of the project, burned down.
4. With the end of the war, work on the construction of the unique landmark of Barcelona resumed, but without Sugranes, who died in 1938.
5. Significant progress in the construction of the Gaudí Cathedral in Barcelona was achieved in 1952 year. In the final form, a staircase and lighting appeared.
6. The work on the Nativity façade was nearing completion, it was planned to throw all efforts on the Passion façade. It is difficult to overestimate the importance of finishing work on the crypt.
7. Passion façade tower completed in 1977. In order to decorate the Gaudí Cathedral, it was decided to use numerous stained-glass windows and sculptures. Ideas for decorations are related to the theme of the Nativity of Christ.
8. The Gaudí Cathedral in Barcelona is currently being built at an accelerated pace due to the involvement of a large number of forces and resources.
9. Aspida and the cross were completed in 2010.
10. The next goal is to build 2 towers. The main one has a height of 170 meters. The towers, according to the plan, are made in honor of Christ and the Virgin Mary.

Illumination of the Sagrada Familia

Interesting facts

1. The project contains 4 more towers to be dedicated to the Evangelists. Each of them is 120 meters high. Subject to the deadlines for the completion of work at each stage, the construction of the Gaudí Cathedral will be completed in 2026.
2. Sagrada Familia impresses not only with its external appearance, but also with its unique interior decoration with a lot of details. They fully reveal the intent of the project. Antonio Gaudi tried to use atypical forms to give grace and incomparable beauty. Difficulties in erection are associated with this, since it is difficult to work with the accepted forms. The architectural wonder of Barcelona takes a lot of time to realize.
3. Gaudí Cathedral is currently being supplied with the necessary resources, the best specialists are involved in the work on the project, who are able to realize the original idea with the help of modern design tools. Barcelona has been waiting for the completion of this project for decades.

Sagrada Familia inside

When constructing the Sagrada Familia, it is necessary to process stone blocks using a special technology that requires a lot of time.

Buy tickets to the Gaudí Cathedral

From the inside, the attraction surprises with original stained-glass windows, amazing work with stucco and mosaics. Gaudí Cathedral is known for its unique play of light. Great attention to detail in the planning of interior spaces is a hallmark of Gaudí’s work.

In Barcelona, ​​Gaudí’s Cathedral is considered one of the most visited attractions, so you should not be surprised by the queues at the entrance. The best solution is to buy tickets online. This will help you avoid markups and save time.

You will have to pay 20€ for the ticket. Gaudí Cathedral has different opening hours depending on the month:

• October-March (09:00-18:00)
• April-September (09:00-20:00)

How to buy tickets to visit the Gaudi Cathedral in Barcelona, ​​described in the material.

Where is the Gaudí Cathedral in Barcelona

Barcelona, ​​Via Mallorca, 401.

How to get to the Gaudí Cathedral using public transport in Barcelona

Metro : Sagrada Familia station 9014 L42 blue and L5 purple line 1 Bus : 19, 33, 34, 43, 44, 50, 51.
Opening hours on holidays : December 25, 26, January 1, 6 – 09:00-14:00.

Location of Gaudí Cathedral in Barcelona

• How to avoid queues at Barcelona attractions. Tickets for Sagrada Familia and Park Güell skip the line.
• How not to be deceived by local taxi drivers. Order a taxi in advance with fixed rates online. The most reliable service for ordering a taxi is KiwiTaxi .
• Excursions in Barcelona with locals will help you to get to know this city for real. The best way to get comfortable in an unfamiliar city is to walk around it with a person who has lived here for many years.
• We advise you to take out travel insurance so that there are no unpleasant surprises while traveling to Barcelona.

• Barcelona City Pass is a one-stop card that makes organizing your holiday in Barcelona easier and saves you a lot of time and money.
• Hotels in Barcelona: are our selections and recommendations.
• Bus Turistic is a tourist bus and a great way to get to all the necessary monuments of Barcelona quickly, with a breeze and comfort.
• Drimsim is a universal international SIM card and a free travel application. Best prices, fast internet and worldwide calls.

Sagrada Familia

Sagrada Familia (Sagrada Familia)
located in the city center of Barcelona in the Eixample district, an area that belonged to the wealthy Catalan bourgeoisie at the end of the nineteenth century.

The Sagrada Familia is one of the most amazing buildings of the most famous of the Catalan modernist architects, Antoni Gaudí.

For him, this was the most ambitious project, in which Gaudí put his whole body and soul, turning it into a great work. Antonio Gaudí was obsessed with him until the end of his days.

Despite the fact that the design of the temple has not yet been completed, this original work of Gaudí has ​​been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
On its territory of the Sagrada Familia are located: the chapel of the Rosary, the crypt in which the architect was buried, and the facade of the Nativity of Christ. These are some of the most striking places in the entire temple, but everything else in the temple is no less interesting.

This work is an incredible manifestation of art, evidence of the extraordinary and amazing genius of the author. After all, all the smallest details have a certain meaning, everything that you see has a religious or other connotation. Guide Barcelona conducting a tour for you, will not leave you indifferent.

Additional information:

Wheelchairs are available for the Sagrada Familia tour, which can be requested from the Information Desk.
Also, you can use the storage service for your luggage.

Don’t miss the tour: Barcelona and Gaudí

Sagrada Familia Museum:

In addition to the temple itself, Sagrada Familia, you can visit the museum located inside, on the territory of the workshop, where you can get acquainted with the construction process. It contains plans, drawings, original models. Everything to trace the stages of the construction of the monument.

Discover the workshop where many parts of plaster models in different scales are kept miraculously saved from destruction during the Civil War.

Photos of the Sagrada Familia from different years:

Sagrada Familia – 1897

Sagrada Familia – 1904

Sagrada Familia – 1908

Sagrada Familia – 1903

1925

St. Families – 1928

Sagrada Familia – 1963

Sagrada Familia – 1972

Sagrada Familia – 1983

“There is nothing accidental in the Sagrada Familia” (A. Gaudí)

A large donation, received shortly before the consecration of the crypt (1892), made it possible to expand the construction project of the temple and thus allowed the creative genius of Gaudí to flourish. From the original idea, in which the basilica was a pyramidal structure. Gaudi came up with a project with eighteen bell towers, of which eight have been erected so far – over the Nativity facade and over the Passion facade.

In plan, the temple corresponds to the type of basilica – it has the shape of a Latin cross, with five longitudinal and three transverse naves.
Internal dimensions of the church are 90 m long and 60 m wide (of which 15 m is the width of the central nave). The apse closes with seven chapels and two spiral staircases. The presbytery is framed by a deambulatory (circular aisle).
The building is surrounded by a cloister connecting three monumental facades with portals:

On the east side is the façade of the Nativity, on the west side is the façade of the Passion of the Lord, and on the south side is the façade of Glory. Two sacristy buildings on both sides of the apse are supposed to be assigned to administrative and service premises in the future. A majestic 170-meter central dome, symbolizing Christ, will rise above the crossroads, surrounded by four smaller domes – in honor of the four apostles – evangelists. The last dome crowning the apse will be dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Above the side aisles and above the entrance from the inside of the main façade there will be a choir, which, together with the apse choirs, will be able to accommodate 1,200 singers, whose voices will merge with those of the parishioners into a gigantic choir. The total capacity of the cathedral reaches 10 thousand people.

The middle cross is a grandiose space with an area of ​​900 square meters and a height of about 60 meters, with four columns in the center. The apse will be closed by a giant hyperboloid 75 meters high, crowned with the figure of the Creator. The portals are enlarged by huge porticos, which make it possible to place sculptural groups on the themes of the Nativity, the Passion and the Glory of the Lord. Each of the three façades will be crowned with four bell towers in honor of the twelve apostles. Each column of the temple is dedicated either to an apostle or to one of the holy parishes of Catalonia, Spain and all five continents, thus emphasizing the universal character of the Church, which has spread from east to west. As bequeathed in his last words by Saint Fructuos – the first bishop of the city of Tarragona – before accepting martyrdom.

Gaudi understood that the construction of the basilica would continue for more than one century.