Cathedral Santa Eulalia de Barcelona

 

Here are five amazing things to do around Cathedral Santa Eulalia

1.) Take a Ramblas and Barri Gotic Walking Tour

La RamblasDiscover all the gothic buildings and monuments of Barcelona as well as the Ramblas neighborhood with a local guide! This is the only way to really discover the city, its secrets and its hidden wonders…

2.) Have dinner at the Neri Restaurant (If you can find it!)

Hotel Neri Relais and Chateaux‎This restaurant is a bit difficult to find the first time. However, when you do find this luxurious hostel-restaurant, you will fall under the charm of its atmosphere, location and decoration. The food is great, even if not the best of the city, but the restaurant in itself is really amazing. Did you know that Scarlett Johanson had gone there? Yes, but in the film Vicky, Cristina, Barcelona!

3.) Go to the Placa de Catalunya

Plaça de CatalunyaThis place is really at the core of the city, and it is both a huge meeting point of public transport (metro and buses) and a representation of the Catalan pride. If you visit this place, you will be struck by its magnificence.

4.) Admire the pieces of art exposed in the Basilica Galeria

Basilica GaleriaLocated in the street right next to the Gothic cathedral, this art gallery exhibits very original and beautiful pieces of art! The silhouettes of different colors, shapes and materials are really impressive and the store is well worth a visit.

5.) Visit the pleasant neighborhood of the Ribera

La RiberaThis neighborhood is emblematic of the history of Barcelona. It used to be the economic center of the city, the medieval CBD in a way, but nowadays it is only a neighborhood for locals to live and enjoy traditional streets and architecture in a peaceful atmosphere.

Insider’s tips:

  • Do not worry, you will get enough holy water as there is a fountain in the cathedral.
  • Ask a priest to tell you the stories depicted on the wood panels.
  • If you go there on the weekends you’ll probably enjoy the artisans market and in Christmas you’ll find the typical Santa Lucia market where you could find everything you need to decorate your home and also the typical figure of El Caganer (the shitter).

Facts about Cathedral Santa Eulalia

The cathedral’s construction took more than 150 years, from 1298 to 1450. It is one of the most beautiful gothic buildings in Barcelona. It was built on a place where a Roman temple, a Visigoth church and a Roman cathedral were previously built. However, the façade is from the XIX century as the cathedral was renovated several times.

The cathedral is dedicated to Santa Eulalia who was martyred by the Romans and who became the co-patron saint of Barcelona, the other is La Mercè. She rests in the crypt of the cathedral in a big tomb surrounded by golden decorations. What is also peculiar in this church is the fact that 13 geese keep the cloister. They are here to remind the people of Santa Eulalia that she died at 13 because of the 13 tortures that the Roman emperor submitted her to.

The Cathedral Santa Eulalia is also known because of its wood panels and decorations representing an episode of Charles Quint’s “Golden Fleece”. It is a reminder of the era of the crusades when the cathedral was very influential. At the time, the king needed a great place to celebrate his victories and it was also a good way to reach Germany by sea at a time when dynasties were so important.

Cathedral Santa Eulalia

Santa Eulalia is important for any Barcelonan simply because Santa Eulalia is one of the patron saints of the city. Every time a Barcelonan goes there, he lights a candle and prays. With its wonderful crypt and its historical artifacts, this cathedral is a representative of Barcelona’s faith. In fact, it is closely linked to a time when Catholics were persecuted.”

Guide

  • 13 million visitors a year 99%
  • Incredibly detailed 80%
  • Contains hidden mysteries 70%

Opening Hours

Mondays to Saturdays: From 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Sundays and public holidays: From 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Near By

Santa Eulalia

1.) Santa Maria del Mar:
Located South of the Ribera, the basilica Santa Maria del Mar is another reminder of the power and glory of the borough. It was built as a proof of the economic power of the district. The Gothic architecture is splendid.

2.) Museum of contemporary art of Barcelona MACBA:
Most big cities have their own contemporary art museum and Barcelona is not the exception. Even if the collection presents pieces of art from all over the world, it includes quite a huge part of national art as there are many famous contemporary Spanish artists. And it’s place in Plaça dels angels, the most well-known street for the skaters and where we the local people like to go to take a beer in one of the terraces.

3.) Catalan music’s Palace (what? Liceu?):
This music palace is a wonderful place to listen to music and it offers plenty of concerts throughout the year. If you happen to love music and you have a free evening in Barcelona, do not hesitate to visit this place.

Why it’s worth visiting

  • It’s really a beautiful Gothic cathedral.
  • It embodies the soul of Barcelona and its faith.
  • You’ll be welcomed by geese!