Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
In the middle of the central nave is the late-14th-century, exquisitely sculpted timber
coro
(choir stalls). The coats of arms on the stalls belong to members of the Barcelona chapter of
the Order of the Golden Fleece. Emperor Carlos V presided over the order's meeting here in
1519.
Crypt
A broad staircase before the main altar leads you down to the crypt, which contains the
tomb of Santa Eulàlia, one of Barcelona's two patron saints and more affectionately known
as Laia. The reliefs on the alabaster sarcophagus recount some of her tortures and, along the
top strip, the removal of her body to its present resting place.
The Roof
For a bird's-eye view (mind the poop) of medieval Barcelona, visit the cathedral's roof and
tower by taking the lift (€3) from the Capella de les Animes del Purgatori near the northeast
transept.
Claustre
From the southwest transept, exit by the partly Romanesque door (one of the few remnants
of the present church's predecessor) to the leafy
claustre
(cloister), with its fountains and
flock of 13 geese. The geese 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! One of the cloister chapels commemorates 930 priests, monks
and nuns martyred during the civil war.
largely Gothic).
Casa de L'Ardiaca
Upon exiting the Capella de Santa Llúcia, wander across the lane into the 16th-century
Sat)
, which houses the city's archives. Stroll around the supremely serene courtyard, cooled
by trees and a fountain; it was renovated by Lluis Domènech i Montaner in 1902, when the
building was owned by the lawyers' college. Domènech i Montaner also designed the postal
slot, which is adorned with swallows and a tortoise, said to represent the swiftness of truth
