Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Foraninteresting routefromPlaçadeCatalunya tothecathedral neighborhood,seemyself-
guided walk of the Barri Gòtic (described earlier).
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Cathedral of Barcelona
Although Barcelona's cathedral doesn't rank among Europe's finest (and frankly, barely
cracks the Top 20), it's important, easy to visit, and—most of the time—free to see. The
cathedral's highlights are its vast nave, rich chapels, tomb of St. Eulàlia, and the oasis-like
setting of the cloister. Other sights inside (which you'll pay separately for) are the elabor-
ately carved choir, the elevator up to the view terrace, and the altarpiece museum.
Thespaciouschurchis300feetlongand130feetwide.Tallpillarsmadeofstoneblocks
supportthecrisscrossvaults.Eachroundkeystonewherethearchescrossfeaturesadifferent
saint. Typical of many Spanish churches, there's a choir—an enclosed area of wooden seats
inthemiddleofthenave,creatingamoreintimatespaceforworship.TheGothicchurchalso
hasfinestained glass,ironworkchandeliers, a16th-century organ(lefttransept), tombstones
in the pavement, and an “ambulatory” floor plan, allowing worshippers to amble around to
the chapel of their choice.
Cost and Hours:
Generally open to visitors Mon-Fri 8:00-19:30, Sat-Sun 8:00-20:00.
Free to enter Mon-Sat before 12:45, Sun before 13:45, and daily after 17:15, but you must
pay to enter the cathedral's three minor sights (museum-€2, terrace-€2.50, choir-€2.50).
The church is officially “closed” for a few hours each afternoon (Mon-Sat 13:00-17:00,
Sun 14:00-17:00), but you can get in by paying for the interior sights. Tel. 933-151-554,
Dress Code:
The dress code is strictly enforced—no tank tops, shorts, or skirts above
the knee.
Getting There:
The huge, can't-miss-it cathedral is in the center of the Barri Gòtic, on
Plaça de la Seu, Metro: Jaume I.
Getting In:
The main, front door is open most of the time. While it can be crowded,
the line generally moves fast. Sometimes you can also enter directly into the cloister around
back (through door facing the Martyrs Statue on the small square along Carrer del Bisbe).
WCs:
A tiny, semi-private WC is in the center of the cloister.
OtherCathedralSights:
Thecathedral'sextrasightshaveasmallfeeandslightlyshort-
er hours than the church itself:
museum
—€2, daily 10:00-19:00;
terrace—
€2.50, Mon-Sat
9:00-18:00, closed Sun;
choir—
€2.50, Mon-Sat 9:00-19:00, closes in the afternoon on Sun.
The extra sights can close even earlier on slow days.
