The Cathedral of Barcelona is a Gothic masterpiece that dates back to the 13th century. It is dedicated to Saint Eulalia, the co-patron saint of Barcelona, who was martyred by the Romans in the 4th century. The cathedral is located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, and it is one of the most emblematic landmarks of the city.
The ticket price for visiting the cathedral is 7 euros for adults and 5 euros for children and seniors. The ticket includes access to the main nave, the cloister, the rooftop terrace, and the museum. The ticket also allows you to skip the line at the entrance. You can buy tickets online or at the ticket office next to the cathedral.
The cathedral is open every day of the year, but the opening hours vary depending on the season and the day of the week. The general opening hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. from Monday to Saturday, and from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays and public holidays. However, there are some exceptions and special schedules for religious services and events. You can check the official website for more details.
The easiest way to get to the cathedral is by public transport. You can take the metro line L4 and get off at Jaume I station, which is a 5-minute walk from the cathedral. You can also take several bus lines that stop near the cathedral, such as 17, 19, 40, 45, or V15. Alternatively, you can walk from other points of interest in the city center, such as Plaça Catalunya or La Rambla.
The cathedral offers guided tours in different languages for groups and individuals. You can book a tour online or by phone, or you can join a free tour that departs from the cloister every day at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The tours last about an hour and cover the history, architecture, and art of the cathedral.
There are many things to see inside and outside the cathedral. Some of the highlights are:
- The main façade, which was built in the 19th century in a neo-Gothic style and features statues of saints and gargoyles.
- The cloister, which is one of the largest and most beautiful in Europe and contains a fountain and a pond with 13 white geese that symbolize Saint Eulalia’s age when she died.
- The rooftop terrace, which offers panoramic views of the city and showcases the Gothic spires and arches of the cathedral.
- The crypt, which houses the sarcophagus of Saint Eulalia and displays Romanesque frescoes and sculptures.
- The choir, which has carved wooden stalls with coats-of-arms of the knights of the Order of the Golden Fleece and a magnificent organ.
- The chapels, which are decorated with paintings, altarpieces, and relics of various saints and martyrs.
Some tips for visiting the cathedral are:
- Dress appropriately, as you will need to cover your shoulders and knees to enter the sacred space.
- Respect the silence and avoid using flash photography or mobile phones inside the cathedral.
- Plan your visit ahead, as there may be long queues or closures due to religious ceremonies or events.
- Enjoy the atmosphere and admire the details of this Gothic jewel.
Some prohibitions for visiting the cathedral are:
- Do not touch or damage any of the artworks or objects inside or outside the cathedral.
- Do not eat or drink inside the cathedral or in the cloister.
- Do not bring pets or large bags into the cathedral.
- Do not smoke or litter in or around the cathedral.
