Sant Pau del Camp, Barcelona
Sant Pau del Camp. Photo
Richie Diesterheft.
Peter, Paul and Christ in the tympanum. Photo
batigolix. 
Romanesque portal carving of St. Luke's ox. Photo
WordRidden. 
Interior of Sant Pau del Camp. Photo
batigolix.
Location map and aerial view of Sant Pau del Camp. For a larger interactive view, see our Barcelona Map.
The Church of Sant Pau del Camp (St. Paul of the Countryside) is the oldest church in Barcelona and a rare example of Romanesque architecture in Catalonia. Its name reflects the fact that the church was once surrounded by green fields outside the city walls.
History
It was built by the Benedictines in the 10th century after its predecessor was destroyed in a Muslim raid of 985 AD. Remains of the original 9th-century structure can be seen on the capitals and bases of the portal. The church was rebuilt in the 11th and 12th centuries on a Greek-cross plan.
What to See
Today, Sant Pau is not only old but remarkably intact. The western portal features well-worn carvings and Latin inscriptions of Christ, Saint Peter, and Saint Paul on the tympanum. Around the portal are simple 13th-century carvings of fish, birds and faces.
Carved symbols of the evangelists Mark (lion) and Luke (ox) flank the door; Matthew (winged man) and John (eagle) are in relief above. Above the portal is a relief of the hand of God.
Inside, the church is dark and rather plain, lit only by tiny arrow-slit windows and small stained-glass circles high up in the central dome. Its austerity adds to the overall feeling of antiquity. Built on a central plan, the church has three spacious curved apses at the east end.
The small 12th-century cloister, is a major highlight: it features Moorish arches, a central fountain, and animals adorning the capitals. In the 14th-century chapter house is the tomb of Guífre Borrell, count of Barcelona in the early 10th century.
Quick Facts
Site Information |
| Names: | Sant Pau del Camp; Church of St. Paul of the Countryside |
| Dedicated to: | St. Paul |
| Location: | Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain |
| Category: | Churches |
| Faith: | Christianity |
| Denomination: | Catholic |
| Order: | Benedictine |
| Date: | 11-12th centuries |
| Architecture: | Romanesque |
Visitor Information |
| Coordinates: | 41.37645° N, 2.169532° E (view on Google Maps) |
| Address: | Sant Pau 99, El Raval, Barcelona, Spain |
| Phone: | 93-441-00-01 |
| Hours: | Mon-Fri 6-7:45pm |
| Cost: | Free |
| Public transport: | Metro: Paral.lel |
Travel Resources for Barcelona
- Barcelona Map - our detailed interactive map of Barcelona, plus hand-picked links to more
- Barcelona Guided Tours - book sightseeing tours and activities in Barcelona
- Barcelona Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, then book at the guaranteed lowest rate
- Barcelona Hostels - reserve budget lodgings with no booking fees
- Barcelona Car Rentals - get the lowest rate by comparing multiple car companies at a glance
- Barcelona Travel Forum - tips, answers and advice on Barcelona tourism
Article Sources
Article written by Holly Hayes with reference to the following sources:
- The Rough Guide to Spain 11 (April 2004).
- Frommer's Barcelona, 2nd ed. (May 2007).
Article last updated: 07/18/2009.
