Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia (Barcelona Cathedral)

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

Architectural style: gothic

Working hours: Monday-Sunday: from 08:00 till 19:30

Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia (Barcelona Cathedral) in tours:

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Barcelona Cathedral is the residence of archbishop Barcelonian and is the main cathedral of Barcelona. The building is remarkable for numerous sophisticated details, namely pompous gothic “rosette” over the central entrance, symmetrical columns and steeple-turrets which “fly” high into the sky. However, the main attractions are situated inside: the sculpture of Christ from flagship of Catalan fleet, thirteen white geese to the glory of Saint Eulalia and astounding views from the dome of the cathedral.

The constructing of Barcelona Cathedral is a great work which, naturally, demanded a lot of money and time. Due to the lack of money the building often stopped for uncertain term. That is why different architectural elements of the cathedral date back to 1298-1460 years, while the main frontage was built only in 1870 based on 15th century’s drafts.

When you come into the cathedral through the main entrance you find yourself in large and singing space restricted by the dome somewhere really high. The planning of Barcelona Cathedral is the central wide nave and two lateral passages separated from it with tasteful columns.

The main masterpiece of cathedral’s altar is wooden sculpture of Sant Christ de Lepant. It was located at the head of the flagship which belonged to the Spanish fleet during the battle with the Turks at Lepanto in 1571. Crookedness of the statue (seen by the naked eye) can be explained by the fact that this particular statue protected the ship from the flying missiles. At some distance at a great height in the wall there are sarcophagi of count and countess Berenger with the help of whom predecessor of present Barcelona Cathedral was built in 11th century. It is important to focus your attention on carved wooden cantorias which tower in the

centre of the nave. They date back to the 14th century and are crowned with an emblem of Barcelonian department of the Order of the Golden Fleece. In the crypth under the altar there is an alabaster sarcophagus of Saint Eulalia. She is considered to be one of the protectresses of Barcelona who died as martyr attacked by Roman persecutors in the 4th century.

Cozy enclosed court of the cathedral with lush greenery and fountain is definitely worth visiting. Thirteen sleek white geese live there in the memory of Saint Eulalia. Names of 930 ministers of faith who died during the civil war in Spain are immortalized in one of the adjacent chapels.

Hall of church gatherings is wealthy decorated with red velvet and carving on black wood. It presents a few important art works, including “Pieta” by Bartalome Bermejo.

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