In the Gothic quarter of the capital of Catalonia, the main cathedral of the city is located - the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia. It was built in 1298-1420. On feast days, the service is conducted by the Pontiff of Catalonia from the Episcopal Cathedral (hence the name "Cathedral"). Many people mistakenly believe that this is "Sagrada Familia". The main cathedral is dedicated to the memory of Saint Eulalia of Barcelona, who suffered martyrdom for the Christian faith at the age of 13, in 304, during the reign of Emperor Diocletian. By the way, she is a saint of both the Catholic and Orthodox churches, since she was canonized even before the schism of the church. Her life is very similar to the life of St. Eulalia Merridel, so there is still debate whether we are dealing with two different saints or with one.
The relics of the saint are one of the main shrines of the church. The second holiness that appears in the name of the temple is the cross on which Jesus was crucified. This holy relic is kept in the chapter hall.
Important meetings are held in the chapter hall. There is also a mini-museum with precious works of art. Pope Pius IX granted the church the status of a minor papal basilica. In 1929, the temple was recognized as a monument of history and art of national significance.
The bell tower is located at an altitude of 54 meters. There are bells on the top square of each tower. On the left is a giant 3-ton bell, on the right are 10 small bells with women's names.
The main architectural style is neo-Gothic. Montjuic marble was used as building material, and terrible-looking gargoyles were used as gutters.
The outside of the temple is decorated with statues of the apostles and other saints:
Here is the scene of the torture of Saint Eulalia:
The temple looks great from the inside. There are 26 chapels along the perimeter. Under the main altar, in an alabaster sarcophagus, lie the remains of Saint Eulilia.
Most of the central nave is occupied by the choir area. On the tier above the benches there are images with the coats of arms of twelve knights. Meetings of the Knights of the Order of the Golden Fleece were held here.
One of the main relics is the crucified Jesus, which was transferred from a ship of the Catalan fleet that participated in the famous Battle of Lepanto:
Next to the main sanctuary are the sarcophagi of Count Ramon Berenguer I and his wife Almodis.
Opposite them is the treasure of the church. It contains many valuable artifacts, the oldest of which dates back to the XV century.
An elevator takes pilgrims from the chapels directly to the roof of the basilica. The observation deck allows you to enjoy the panorama of the city. The beauty and splendor of the building is emphasized by stained glass windows. They appeared gradually in the XIV-XX centuries. All compositions are created according to a single plan: in the center there is a saint, here and there - angels, cities, geometric figures, etc.
To the left of the entrance to the church, in the back, there is a cathedral organ, made in 1537-1539 and of great historical, artistic and liturgical significance. Currently it is used monthly during large concerts.
This is what the church yard looks like. It is also called the Cloister. At the top of the fountain is St. George on horseback.
In the courtyard, in one of the chapels, 13 white geese live in memory of the fact that Saint Eulalia died at the age of 13. They walk freely and swim in the pool.
The church is open every day. Admission to morning and evening masses is free. At other times, a comprehensive ticket costs 14 euros.
Address of the Church of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia: Pla de la Seu, s/n.
How to get to the Church of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia:
- yellow L4 metro line, stop Jaume I;
- by bus №17, 19, 40, 45, stop Barri Gòtic.
To buy tickets online and for more information, visit the official website of Barcelona Cathedral: http://www.catedralbcn.org.
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