Barcelona Cathedral (Catedral de Barcelona)

A major landmark in Barcelona, the cathedral is featured on nearly every sightseeing excursion, from bicycle tours to tapas crawls. Worshipers can enter for free, while there’s a donation requested for cultural visits, as well as for access to the choir and rooftop terraces, which offer one of the best views over medieval Barcelona. Don’t miss a trip down to the crypt to see the tomb of Santa Eulalia and the reliefs depicting her martyrdom.

• The Barcelona Cathedral is a must-visit for history buffs, spiritual travelers, and first-time visitors.

• Remember to dress respectfully by wearing clothes that cover your shoulders and extend to your knees or lower; the cathedral is an active place of worship.

• The cathedral is wheelchair accessible; there’s an accessible entrance at the cloister on Carrer del Bisbe.

The Barcelona Cathedral is centrally located and easy to reach on foot from anywhere in the Old City. From other areas of the city, take the metro to Liceu (Green Line) or Jaume I (Yellow Line), or ride the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus to Catedral-Gotic station.

The cathedral is open daily throughout the week for worship during the morning and evening hours, and for cultural visits during the afternoon. Plan to visit on a weekday during the shoulder season (October to April) to enjoy the cathedral with smaller crowds.

The palm-filled cloister of the Barcelona Cathedral is home to 13 special residents, a flock of geese that have been enjoying the garden and fountains since medieval days. The number of geese is believed to represent the age of Eulalia, the city’s patron saint, at the time she was martyred.

Barcelona Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, dates back to the 13th century. Construction began in 1298 on the site of a Romanesque cathedral, with the neo-Gothic facade completed in the 19th century. It's dedicated to Saint Eulalia, Barcelona's patron saint.

Inside Barcelona Cathedral, visitors shouldn't miss the Chapel of the Holy Sacrament and of the Holy Christ of Lepanto—a side chapel that dates back to the 15th century. Other must-see features include the Holy Christ of Lepanto Crucifix, the stained glass windows, the crypt, and the cloister with its resident white geese.

Yes, visitors can attend Mass and religious services at Barcelona Cathedral. These occur throughout the week at multiple times of the day, but are usually in Catalan or Spanish. It’s advisable to check the timings in advance, as religious services can change if there are special holidays or events.

Yes, photography is permitted inside Barcelona Cathedral, though visitors are encouraged to refrain from using flash, tripods, or selfie sticks to maintain a serene atmosphere for worshippers and other visitors. Respecting the sacred nature of the cathedral enhances the experience for everyone, allowing all to appreciate its beauty and significance.

Yes, Barcelona Cathedral hosts various events such as the La Mercè Festival, featuring illuminations and music in front of the cathedral. It also holds concerts, organ recitals, and processions during Easter and Christmas. The cathedral offers a rich cultural experience, blending religious traditions with artistic and musical celebrations year-round.

To reach Barcelona Cathedral via public transportation, you can take the metro yellow L4 line to Jaume I station, which is around a 4-minute walk away. Alternatively, you can get the #47, #120, or N8 buses to Via Laietana - Pl Ramon Berengue, which is around a 3-minute walk away.