Church of Santa Ana, 12th-century church near Plaça Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain.
Church of Santa Ana is a house of worship in Barcelona that blends Romanesque and Gothic design, featuring a square apse and cross-shaped floor plan. Its notable 15th-century cloister displays decorated archways and creates a quiet courtyard in the heart of the busy city.
The church was founded in 1177 by the Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. Over the 14th century it underwent Gothic modifications and expanded from a monastery structure into a more complex architectural work.
The cloister becomes a stage for the l'Ou Com Balla festival during Corpus Christi celebrations, where visitors watch an egg float on fountain water jets. This tradition ties religious festivities to a striking visual experience that draws both locals and travelers.
The building sits centrally on Carrer de Santa Anna and is easily reached on foot, especially when exploring the area around Placa Catalunya. Visitors should note that opening hours vary between weekdays and weekends, so a quick check before visiting is worth doing.
The chapter house holds a baptismal font donated by Queen Elizabeth II, marking the place's international connections. Also preserved in these Gothic rooms is the tomb of prior Mateu Fernández, reflecting his importance to the site's story.
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