Church / Cathedral / MonasteryCatedral Basílica de Barcelona

There has been a place of worship on this spot since 343AD and worshippers in Roman times through to today's congregations have shared this magnificent building with visitors from all over the world.

Barcelona's La Seu Cathedral is steeped in history, it's mostly Gothic facade was constructed in the years between 1298 and 1459, with the front and dome added near the end of the 19th century. Since 1929 it's been an Historically Artistic Monument of National Interest and a visit there shows it is thoroughly deserving of this title.

It is large: 93mk (350ft)long and 40m wide and the central tower is 50m high and the Central Spire is 70 m (230ft) high and inside this there are some ecclesiastical surprises. Architecturally this is a cathedral to be remembered, why it stands out from the rest is that it really is different.

The point of difference is the many barred/fenced, altars all around the outer sides: each one is creatively different in theme and focus, they use statues, pictures, artefacts and other pieces to present a beautiful ''altar'' of reverence. Outside each one there is an explanation of its relevance to religion and the cathedral itself.

Particularly memorable is the choir stalls: the metalwork and painting are just so fabulous, people were lingering here and spending contemplative time in the sheer beauty of the workmanship. (Above the front of the choir stalls there is a truly fabulous artwork panel, it is the first thing to catch your eye as you walk in the front doors. It proved to be an amazing welcome into what turned out to be a highlight of my visit to Barcelona!)

A must see is the cloisters area. Out here you will meet 13 white geese, happy with visitors and there as a symbolic memory of a 13 year old girl, St Eulalia the first patron Saint of Barcelona, tortured for her religious beliefs centuries ago. Her burial place is in the cathedral. You walk around the cloisters and enjoy several outdoor ''altars'' of statues, banners and artwork. Like those inside but they do not have fences up to protect them from the touch of over-enthusiastic visitors.

Inside and outdoors in the cloisters, you are allowed to take photos. Be prepared to snap your way through plenty of film because this cathedral really is beautiful, it's different from many others and what makes it so? I will leave for you to make up your own mind when you visit... as you should, when in Barcelona.

While we were there a priest was offering communion to those in a roped off area, signs reminded us it is a house of worship and that the area was only for those wishing to take part in the service. The priest came up from a sort of underground altar, absolutely stunning in its dressing of embroidered cloth, gold and silver in the chalice and candles; just so right for this grand place of intimate, personal worship.


You are reminded to be silent by polite signs all around but one thing did amuse me on my recent visit. There was a really old, small nun, standing under a fabulous stained- glass window and she was talking away on her cellphone. Just amused me somewhat!

La Seu, Barcelona Cathedral is only a short walk from Las Ramblas (a Barcelona Must See) and easy to find but do go in the morning as it shuts at 1pm and I don't know if it opens again in the evening.

From the outside, the cathedral looks regal, majestic and exceedingly interesting, inside it is all of that and much, much more. It is a beautiful, quiet and historic place of worship. If you are a cathedral ''fan'', like myself, you will already have a visit planned if you are going to Barcelona. If cathedrals don't ''ring your bells'', I do recommend this tourist attraction which I feel will stimulate your interests and leave you impressed by its majesty, the reverence you experience and best of all its historic grandeur.