Barcelona Cathedral Barcelona’s magnificent Gothic cathedral boasts an eye-catching façade and a peaceful cloister. Església de Santa Maria del Mar The
elegant church of Santa Maria del Mar (1329–83) is one of the finest
examples of Catalan Gothic, a style characterized by measured
simplicity. A spectacular stained-glass rose window illuminates the
lofty interior. Capella de Sant Miquel & Església al Monestir de Pedralbes Inside the
Monestir de Pedralbes is a
Gothic cloister and the Capella de Sant Miquel, decorated with
murals by Catalan artist Ferrer Bassa in 1346. The adjoining
Gothic church contains the alabaster tomb of Queen Elisenda, the monastery’s founder. C/Baixada del Monestir 14
Open Oct–Mar: 10am–2pm Tue–Sat, 10am–3pm Sun; Apr–Sep: 10am–5pm Tue–Sat, 10am–3pm Sun (church also open 7–8:30pm)
Església de Sant Pau del Camp Founded
as a Benedictine monastery in the 9th century by Guifre II, a count of
Barcelona, this church was rebuilt the following century. Its sculpted
façade and intimate cloister with rounded arches bear all the trademarks
of the Romanesque style.
Església de Sant Pere de les Puelles Built in 801 as a chapel for troops stationed in Barcelona, this església
later became a spiritual retreat for young noble women. The church was
rebuilt in the 1100s and is notable today for its Romanesque central
cupola and a series of capitals topped with carved leaves. Look out for
two stone tablets depicting a Greek cross, which are from the original
chapel. Església de Santa Maria del Pi This lovely Gothic church with its ornate stained-glass windows graces Plaça del Pi with its elegant presence.
Capella de Santa Àgata Within the grand walls of the Palau Reial is the medieval Capella de Santa Àgata, with its lovely stained glass windows and
15th-century altarpiece.
Gothic nave, Capella de Santa Àgata
Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor Mount
Tibidabo is an appropriate perch for this huge, over-the-top Neo-Gothic
church, topped with a gold Christ with outstretched arms. The name
Tibidabo takes its meaning from the words, “I shall give you” (tibi dabo),
uttered by the Devil in his temptation of Christ. Zealously serving the
devoted, the priest here performs the Eucharist throughout the day. Capella de Sant Jordi Inside the Palau de la Generalitat is this fine 15th-century chapel, dedicated to Catalonia’s patron saint. Església de Betlem La
Rambla was once dotted with religious buildings, most built in the 17th
and 18th centuries when the Catholic Church was flush with money. This
església remains one of the most important functioning churches from this period.
Top 10 Catalan Saints & Virgins
Sant Jordi Catalonia’s patron saint is Saint George, whose dragon-slaying prowess is depicted all over the city. Virgin Mercè She became the female patron saint of Barcelona in 1637. The most raucous festival in town is the Festes de La Mercè. Virgin of Montserrat Catalonia’s famous “Black Virgin” is the city’s patron virgin. Santa Eulàlia Santa Eulàlia, Barcelona’s first female patron saint, was martyred by the Romans when they took the city. Santa Elena Legend has it that Saint Helena converted to Christianity after discovering Christ’s cross in Jerusalem in 346 AD. Santa Llúcia The
saint of eyes and vision is celebrated on 13 December, when the blind
come to worship at the Santa Llúcia chapel in the cathedral . Sant Cristòfol Though
officially stripped of his sainthood as there was little evidence he
existed, Saint Christopher was once the patron saint of travellers. Sant Antoni de Padua On 13 June, those seeking a husband or wife pray to the patron saint of love. Santa Rita Deliverer of the impossible, Santa Rita is prayed to by those searching for miracles. Sant Joan The night of Saint John is celebrated with giant bonfires and fireworks.
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