Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, Gothic cathedral in Gothic Quarter, Barcelona, Spain
The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia is a church building in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, Spain, built from Montjuïc stone with two towers and a width of 37 meters (121 feet). The structure rises to a height of 80 meters (262 feet) and displays detailed stone figures, pointed-arch windows and buttresses along the outer walls.
Building work started in 1298 on the site of an early Christian basilica from the 4th century that once stood here. The project stretched over several centuries and reached completion in 1913 with the finishing of the main facade.
The building takes its name from Saint Eulalia, a young martyr from Roman times whose remains rest in the crypt beneath the main altar. On Sundays and feast days, the interior fills with worshippers attending Mass, while choral singing echoes through the high vaulted ceiling.
The entrance sits on Plaça de la Seu, where you can spot the main facade right away. On most days the building opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon, with access limited to worshippers during services.
The cloister hosts thirteen white geese that symbolize the age of Saint Eulalia when she suffered martyrdom. The birds move freely among the Gothic columns and the small fountain standing in the center of the garden.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
