Barcelona Cathedral is one of the most significant and spectacular monuments to see in the great Catalan city. As well as being the star of most postcards of Barcelona, this structure is sure to leave even those least interested in architecture speechless.
The façade of this cathedral, with its characteristic Catalan Gothic style, will certainly impress. However, once you enter to discover its interior, you’ll be even more amazed. You can discover its different rooms and symbolic spots, from the High Altar to the impressive cloister, so be sure to read our post to find out all the details about this spectacular landmark!
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History of Barcelona Cathedral
Barcelona Cathedral has a very interesting history, as well as a great cultural, religious and historical importance. Construction began on this imposing structure in 1058, at the height of the Romanesque period, on top of the crypt of the old church that stood on the same site.
It is dedicated both to Santa Eulàlia, the patron saint of Barcelona, and to the Virgin of Mercé. Its structure and façade have undergone a stark development of styles, starting with a Gothic revival to neo-Gothic. It is well worth stopping for a few minutes to admire the magnitude and richness of its architecture and ornamentation. Don’t forget to take your camera!
Inside the cathedral is the cloister, which is dedicated to the martyrdom of Saint Eulàlia, who was the patron saint of Barcelona and was tortured to death during the Romanesque period. She is buried in the upper altar of the cathedral. In the cloister you will also find a beautiful garden area, fountains and a small chapel, as well as a family of up to 13 geese.
The cathedral is located in the Plaza de la Seu, in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, with excellent access to other key places and points in Barcelona. In addition to admiring its exterior, you can enjoy different types of tours to the cathedral, depending on your interests. This place will certainly become one of your favourite landmarks in the city.
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How much does a ticket to Barcelona Cathedral cost?
Depending on the type of visit you want, the price of the ticket will vary. If you want to go on the traditional tourist visit, the entrance fee is €7, and you can visit the whole church (including the cloister, the Chapter House, the choir, the Chapel of the Holy Christ and the terraces).
If you are only interested in visiting the Choir, the entrance fee is reduced to €3, as well as the visit to the terraces, which also costs €3.
Barcelona Cathedral
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Barcelona Cathedral
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What to see in the area around Barcelona Cathedral?
Catalonia Square
Located just 8 minutes’ walk from the cathedral is the famous Plaza de Cataluña, one of the busiest spots in Barcelona. As well as being right in the centre of the city, this spot offers incomparable entertainment.
You can enjoy many terraces to stop for a drink, as well as numerous events depending on the time of year, live music and many other activities. You can’t miss a visit if you’re in the area! If you want to discover everything there is to do in this square, read our post: The Square of Catalonia in Barcelona.
Casa Batlló
Casa Batlló is one of the most iconic places not only in Barcelona, but in the whole of Spain. This structure is a World Heritage Site, being a work by the famous architect Gaudí.
You can enjoy a wonderful tour inside this architectural jewel while being fascinated by its stupendous and unbeatable ornamentation. This is one of the places that should be at the top of your list of things to see in Barcelona.
Casa Batlló
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Casa Batlló
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Where to eat near Barcelona Cathedral?
The first place we recommend trying near the cathedral is the famous Bun Bo Vietnam. Located just a 5-minute walk away, you can enjoy some of the best oriental food at an exceptional price.
The next option we suggest is the restaurant Els 4Gats, one of the most famous bars in the Gothic Quarter. It’s just a 5-minute walk away, where you can try typical Mediterranean and Catalan dishes. You’ll love it!
If you want to enjoy more of a snack, don’t miss Mikel Etxea, where you can enjoy great pinchos (tapas) just a stone’s throw from the cathedral.
Finally, if you are looking for Italian food, we definitely recommend La Cucina de la Mama, where you can choose from many traditional Italian dishes, in a place with an incredible familial atmosphere, just 10 minutes away from the cathedral!
Frequently asked questions
Admission to the Cathedral is free every Sunday, in the mornings from 8.30am to 1.45pm and in the afternoons from 5.15pm to 8pm.
To get to the Cathedral, you can choose between different means of public transport from different parts of the city.
– You can take the bus, specifically lines 47, 67, B25, L95, V15 and V17.
– Another option is to take the metro. You can choose between lines L1 and L3.
– Finally, you can take the train on lines R1, R3, R4, R7 and RG1.
The Cathedral has different opening hours, depending on whether you want to go for worship and prayer or if you simply want to make a cultural visit. In the first case, the opening hours are from 8:30 to 12:30 in the morning and from 18:00 to 19:30 in the afternoon. In the second case, the opening hours are from 10:00 to 14:00 in the mornings and from 15:00 to 17:30 in the afternoons.
On Saturdays and public holiday vigils, the hours of worship are from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, while the hours for cultural visits are from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Finally, on Sundays and religious holidays, the opening hours for worship are from 8:30 am to 1:45 pm and from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, while the cultural visit is not currently available.
How to plan your visit to Barcelona Cathedral?
Download the Passporter app:
- Get inspiration from the experiences of other travellers.
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- Save your tickets and reservations.
- Organise your route on Google maps with your accommodation as the starting point or any other that you indicate.
- Find out the best travel option for each place.
- Save and publish your own photos and experiences as you go along, so that when someone asks you “How was your trip to Barcelona Cathedral?” you can reply “Visit my traveller profile on Passporter!”
If you want to learn more about how to get the most out of the Passporter app, you can read our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter.
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