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ral's huge footprint from above. Access to the higher echelons is gained via a lift from
the Capella de les Animes del Purgatori near the northeast transept.
Geese
The Tower of London has ravens; Barcelona's Catedral has geese. The 13 birds in the
leafy
claustre
(cloister) supposedly represent the age of Santa Eulàlia at the time of her
martyrdom and have, generation after generation, been squawking here since medieval
days. They make fine watchdogs!
Crypt
Here lies the hallowed tomb of Santa Eulàlia, one of Barcelona's two patron saints,
more affectionately known as Laia. The reliefs on the alabaster sarcophagus, executed
by Pisan artisans, recount some of her tortures and, along the top strip, the removal of
her body to its present resting place.
Baptismal Font
Columbus purportedly kidnapped two dozen North American Indians from the Carib-
bean island of Hispaniola after his first voyage and brought them back to Spain. Only
six survived the journey and, according to legend, they were bathed in holy water at this
font just left from the main entrance.
Don't Miss List
BY GORKA REGIDOR, TOUR GUIDE AND FOUNDER OF
RUNNER BEAN TOURS
1 CRYPT OF SANTA EULÀLIA
References to the patron saint of Barcelona can be found all over the cathedral but
nowhere is as striking as in the crypt. In the centre, an Italian 15th-century alabaster
sarcophagus stands where Eulàlia's remains supposedly still lie within. The crypt only
opens on the 12 February, Saint Eulàlia's Day, but you can take a peek from the out-
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