Cathedral La Seu, Barcelona

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There should be a law where tourists must provide the entire name of the Cathedral "Cathedral de la Santa Creu i Santa Eulalia" before allowed to leave. Located in Barri Gotic, it has been a work in process since 985, with Gothic facade finished in 1889 based upon original plans from 1408. Who can keep this stuff straight? There is a rather steep charge to enter the Cathedral, which we didn't do the first time we visited around 2004. In front of the Cathedral is a large open area where there is room for open air markets.

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We wanted to visit the La Seu Cathedral in Barcelona's Barri Gotic district, but kept seeing and finding Cathedral de la Santa Creu i Santa Eulalia...turns out they are one and the same.
Cathedral de la Santa Creu i Santa Eulalia, is the correct name, which means Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, while La Seu is the seat of the diocese. So we go from there.
While this is not even close to being the most impressive, expensive or beautiful cathedral we have seen on our wanderings around Europe, I do believe it is one of the earliest, dating back to 300 A.D. One differing point that we found here was two caskets apparently containing a count and his wife, mounted on the wall of the cathedral, yes ON THE WALL, not in the ground or in a vault, but put up like a photograph on the wall.

The website listed here on VT is only in Spanish, so if you want to see and learn more in English, try -
http://w3.bcn.cat/turisme/0,4022,495525130_805342490_3,00.html
http://www.aviewoncities.com/barcelona/barcelonacathedral.htm
http://www.sacred-destinations.com/spain/barcelona-cathedral-la-seu

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Barcelona’s Romanesque Cathedral is the centre of Barcelona’s oldest part, the Barri Gòtic. It is the third building on this place, the first one being from the 6th century. Construction of the present cathedral began in 1298, using some parts of the previous building like the Portal de San Ivo. Construction was completed in the 16th century, although several restorations and renovations took place in the following centuries. Until the 19th century, it has an almost full Romanesque appearance, but by then a new Neogothic façade was added.
Inside the Cathedral, you will find several interesting details, including the Chapel of the Golden Fleece. The Chapel of Christ Levanto has a cross made of the wood from a ship participating in a battle.

This Gothic construction (14th and 15th Century) got the façade and spire we see nowadays at the end of the 19th century.

Yet the MEDIEVAL atmosphere is very impressive and still there....

The interior is remarkable with its enormous height and the numerous chapels.

There are beautifully carved choir stalls and a AMBULATORY all 14th and 15th Century.

In the crypte lies the martyr Santa EULALIA.

BTW Of course I climbed the tower!!!!!!

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The Cathedral was constructed from the year of 1298 till 1890. First church here stood even earlier, so temple still has some parts of Romanesque style. The last reconstructions took place in the end of 19th century, in neo – Gothic style, so church mainly consist of Gothic style features.

Cathedral is breathtaking inside, having more than 20 chapels, also inner yard with the pond and 13 geese, that attracts lot of tourists. Temple is also is a burial place of patron of Barcelona St. Eulalia.

If you are in Barcelona for a longer time create oportunity visit it for free. The schedule nearby doors shows when you have to pay for entrance, and when it is free. Place nearby cathedral is usually full of tourists, the street musician shows and flea market go on.

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The First Church of the Archdiocese of Barcelona is the most famous attraction in the Barri Gòtic or Gothic Quarter, the oldest part of the city. Started in the 13th century and finished some 150 years later, it is dedicated to one of the city’s patron saints – Eulalia, a young girl who, according to legend, was martyred by the Romans. In front of the Cathedral is a small square where you will find cafes and interesting shops. The area around the cathedral has a charm and beauty that makes this location a must visit.

Adults: 4.00 Euro

September 2005

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The cathedral is a very beautiful peace of architecture. Very typical, catholic churh and I love it.

To go in to it, locate a peacful chamber (it can be very crowded), sit down for a few minutes, feel the calm, the warmth, the relaxation, it is fantastic. Ofcourse you can see a million details in the cathedral worth mentioning but get there and have a look and feel for your self.

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This cathedral is located in the heart of the Gothic quarter. It was built in the 13th and 15th century but during my visit some renovation works were going on which prevented me from having a better look at the exterior. On payment of some fees one can go up the roof with the help of an elevator and have a nice view over Barcelona. The Cathedral is dedicated to Saint Eulalia, a young virgin who was killed during the Roman rule in Barcelona.