Barcelona Cathedral

From its Gothic cloister and Baroque chapels to its splendid, 19th-century façade, the Cathedral, dating from 1298, is an amalgam of architectural styles, each one paying homage to a period in Spain’s religious history. Records show that an early Christian baptistry was established here in the 6th century, later replaced by a Romanesque basilica in the 11th century, which gave way to the current Gothic Cathedral. This living monument still functions as the Barri Gòtic’s spiritual hub.

  • Plaça de la Seu

  • 93 315 15 54

  • Metro: Liceu, Jaume I

Cathedral

  • open 8am–7:30pm daily (8pm Sun); numerous services daily;

  • €5

  • free access: 8am–12:45pm (1:45pm Sun) & 5:15–7:30pm

Casa de L’Ardiaca

  • open Sep–Jul 9am–8:45pm Mon–Fri, 9am–1pm Sat; Aug 9am–7:30pm Mon–Fri

  • free

Museu Diocesà

  • open Jun–Sep: daily; Oct–May: Tue–Sun (daily in Dec)

  • €6

  • DA


Cathedral Guide

The most impressive entrance to the Cathedral is its main portal on Plaça de la Seu. As you enter, to the left lie a series of chapels, the organ and elevators that take you to the terrace for phenomenal views of the Barri Gòtic (see Barcelona Cathedral). The Casa de L’Ardiaca lies to the right of the Cathedral’s main entrance (at Carrer Santa Llúcia 1); the Museu Diocesà is to the left (at Avinguda de la Catedral 4).


Cathedral Floor Plan

Bask in the Cathedral’s Gothic glory at the outdoor terrace of Estruch café on Plaça de la Seu.


Organ and choral concerts are usually held monthly; enquire at the Pia Almoina. Watch sardanes – Catalonia’s regional dance – in Plaça de la Seu (6pm Sat, noon Sun).


NOTE

For more churches in Barcelona see Charming Churches & Chapels

NOTE

See Barri Gòtic & La Ribera for more information on its sights

Top 10 Features

  1. Main Façade

    Flanking the eye-catching entrance of the 19th-century façade are twin towers, Modernista stained-glass windows and 100 carved angels. (Currently under scaffolding for long-term restoration.)

    Main entrance

  2. Choir Stalls

    The lavish choir stalls (1340), crowned with wooden spires, are decorated with colourful coats of arms by artist Joan de Borgonya.

  3. Cloister

    Graced with a fountain, palm trees and roaming geese, the cloister dates back to the 14th century. The mossy fountain is presided over by a small, iron statue of Sant Jordi (St George).

  4. Crypt of Santa Eulàlia

    In the crypt’s centre lies the graceful alabaster sarcophagus (1327) of Santa Eulàlia, Barcelona’s first patron saint. Reliefs depict her martyrdom.

  5. Capella del Santíssim Sacrament i Crist de Lepant

    This 15th-century capella (chapel) features the Christ de Lepanto, which, legend has it, guided the Christian fleet in its 16th-century battle against the Ottoman Turks.

  6. Capella de Sant Benet

    Honouring Sant Benet, the patron saint of Europe, this chapel showcases the 15th-century altarpiece Transfiguration of the Lord by illustrious Catalan artist Bernat Martorell.

  7. Capella de Santa Llúcia

    This lovely Romanesque chapel is dedicated to Santa Llúcia, the patron saint of sight and vision. On her saint’s day (13 December), the blind (els cecs) arrive in large numbers to pray at her chapel.

  8. Nave & Organ

    The immense nave is supported by soaring Gothic buttresses, which arch over 16 chapels. The 16th-century organ looming over the interior fills the Cathedral with music during services.

  9. Pia Almoina & Museu Diocesà

    The 11th-century Pia Almoina, once a rest house for pilgrims and the poor, houses the Museu Diocesà, with Romanesque and Gothic works of art from around Catalonia.

  10. Casa de L’Ardiaca

    Originally built in the 12th century, the Archdeacon’s House sits near what was once the Bishop’s Gate in the city’s Roman walls. Expanded over the centuries, it now includes a leafy patio with a fountain.

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