Barcelona Cathedral (La Seu), Barcelona
Panoramic view from the roof of La Seu. Photo
Lee LeFever.
Gothic tower (
Keith); the cloister's resident geese ( Mike Pickard). 
The cloisters. Photo
by Keith.
The high altar. Photo
by Scott. 
Crypt containing the tomb of Santa Eulalia. Photo
Nathan Gibbs.
The lofty choir of Barcelona Cathedral. Photo
Michael Leuty.Interactive satellite map of Barcelona Cathedral. For a larger view,
see our Barcelona Map or Google Earth download.
Barcelona Cathedral (also known as La Seu) is a celebrated example of Catalan Gothic architecture dating from the 14th century. Its graceful spires can be seen from throughout the Barri Gòtic (Gothic quarter) of Barcelona.
History
The elevated site occupied by the cathedral has always been the spiritual center of Barcelona. First there was a Roman temple here, then a mosque, and then a church. Construction on the present cathedral began in 1298 under the reign of King Jaume II and was completed in 1448. The west facade dates from the 19th century.
What to See
Gaudi's La Sagrada Familia may be Barcelona's most famous landmark (and rightly so), but La Seu still holds it own as one of the most impressive cathedrals in Spain.
A blending of medieval and Renaissance styles, Barcelona's cathedral features large bell towers covered in Gothic pinnacles, high Gothic arches, a handsomely sculptured choir and many side chapels with rich altarpieces. The interior was recently cleaned. Especially notable is the Cappella de Sant Benet behind the altar, with a magnificent 15th-century interpretation of the crucifixion by Bernat Matorell.
The crypt beneath the high altar contains the impressive alabaster sarcophagus of Santa Eulalia, patroness of the cathedral and co-patroness of the city. The virgin daughter of an upper-class Barcelona family, Eulalia was burned at the stake for her beliefs under the Romans (traditionally dated to February 12, 304). Drop some coins in a slot to light up the crypt.
Probably the best part of the cathedral is the 14th-century cloister, which the historian Cirici called "the loveliest oasis in Barcelona." Its vaulted galleries overlook a lush garden filled with orange, medlar and palm trees and a mossy central pond. Underneath the well-worn slabs of its stone floor are th tombs of key members of the Barri Gòtic's ancient guilds.
Unusually, the cloister is home to a gaggle of white geese whose ancestors have lived here for five centuries. How they originally came to be here remains a mystery and they are certainly an unusual feature for a cathedral. Various legends have it that they represent the virginity of St. Eulalia or the former splendor of Rome.
On the northern side is the chapter house, which contains a small museum of religious artifacts. The highlight is the 15th-century La Pietat of Bartolomé Bermejo.
An elevator ride to the roof provides a fine view of Gothic Barcelona.
Festivals & Events
At noon on Sundays, the sardana (a Catalonian folk dance) is performed in front of the cathedral.
Quick Facts
| Names: | Catedral de Barcelona; La Seu; Barcelona Cathedral |
| Type of site: | Cathedral |
| Faith: | Roman Catholic |
| Date: | Built 1298-1448 |
| Architecture: | Gothic |
| Location: | Plaça de la Seu s/n, Barri Gotic |
| Metro: | Jaume I or Liceu |
| Phone: | 93-315-15-54 |
| Hours: | Cathedral: daily 9am-1pm and 5-7pm; Cloister Museum: daily 10am-1pm and 4-6:30pm Roof: Mon-Sat -10:30am-1:30pm and 5-6pm |
| Cost: | Free admission to cathedral. Museum €1 Roof: €2 Ticket for 1-4:30pm guided visit to museum, choir, rooftop terraces, and towers €4 |
| Feast day: | February 12 |
Sources
- The Rough Guide to Spain 11 (April 2004).
- Frommer's Barcelona, 2nd ed. (May 2007).
- St. Lulalia of Barcelona - Catholic Encyclopedia (1909)
Travel Resources
- Barcelona Map - our detailed, interactive map
- Barcelona Tour & Excursions - sightseeing tours and day trips
- Barcelona Hotel Reviews - unbiased reviews from travelers
- Barcelona Hostels - find & book budget lodgings
- Barcelona Car Rentals - explore Spain on your own timetable
- Barcelona Travel Forum - get tips, advice and answers on Barcelona travel
