A Guide to Cathedrals and Churches in Barcelona
Whether you’re looking for a historical landmark to tour or a place to repent for last night’s sins, Barcelona has a number of incredible churches and cathedrals to choose from.
La Iglesia de Sant Felip Neri is a baroque church located in the Barrio Gótico of Barcelona. The church was built by the architect Pere Bertran between 1721-1752. During the Spanish Civil War, a bomb was dropped in the square outside of the church, Plaza del Sant Felip Neri, and the damages are still visible on the exterior wall of the church.
Monastir de Monserrat is a Benedictine monastery in the mountains northwest of Barcelona. The monastery was founded in 1025 and houses La Moreneta, or the Black Virgin. Monks still live in Monserrat and hold mass several times a day. The famed monastery’s boys’ choir sings at the afternoon mass. This incredible monastery and the surrounded mountains are well worth the trip to Monserrat.
Iglseia de Sant Pau del Camp is the oldest standing church in Barcelona. The Romanesque church was once a monastery and is estimated to have been built before the year 911.
La Sagrada Familia, designed by Antoni Gaudí, has become one of Barcelona’s most famous and beloved landmarks. Construction of La Sagrada Familia began in 1882 and still continues today. The spectacular church, with incredible towers and façades, is a must-see in Barcelona.
Basílica de la Mare de Déu de la Mercé is a gothic church that houses the Virgin de la Mercé, the patron saint of Barcelona.
Capella de Santa Àgata is a Gothic church built in the 14th Century. The interior of the church is decorated with gorgeous woodcarvings and stained glass windows.
Monastir de Santa Maria de Pedralbes was built for nuns in the Order of St. Clare in 1300s and still houses nuns today. The cloisters of the Gothic church are decorated with paintings and religious artifacts and the convent, although not completely open to the public, gives insight into the monastic lifestyle.
Cathedral of Santa Eulalia (La Seu) is a Gothic cathedral constructed during the 13th and 15th Centuries. The cathedral is named after Saint Eulalia of Barcelona who was martyred by the Romans and houses her tomb. The cathedral has a beautiful cloister with a fountain, plants, and 13 white geese, as it is believed Eulalia was 13 years old when she was murdered.
