Cathedral of Barcelona FAQs

Barcelona Cathedral is famous for its Gothic architecture and its role as the seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona. It is also admired for its cloister, ornate facade, and the tomb of Saint Eulalia.

The Cathedral of Barcelona is located in the Gothic Quarter, at Pla de la Seu in the heart of the city. It is surrounded by mediaeval streets and historic landmarks.

The Cathedral of Barcelona was built under the reign of King James II of Aragon, with contributions from several architects. Construction began in 1298 and continued into the 15th century.

Entry to the Barcelona Cathedral is free during specific prayer hours, but a ticket is required at other times. Paid entry often includes access to the rooftop and chapels.

Saint Eulalia, the co-patron saint of Barcelona, is buried in the crypt of the Barcelona Cathedral. Her tomb is one of the main attractions inside.

Visitors must dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered, while visiting Barcelona Cathedral. Scarves or wraps are commonly used by visitors to follow the rules.

A visit to Barcelona Cathedral usually takes around 1-2 hours. This allows time to explore the chapels, cloister, crypt, and rooftop.

Yes, Barcelona Cathedral has toilets available for visitors, and they are generally located within or near the cloister area.

The 13 geese in the cloister at Barcelona Cathedral symbolise the age of Saint Eulalia when she was martyred and serve as a living tribute to her memory.

A basilica is an honorary title granted by the Pope, while a cathedral is the principal church of a diocese with the bishop’s seat, and some churches hold both titles.

Yes, Barcelona Cathedral and the Sagrada Familia are two different churches. The Cathedral is a Gothic building from the 13th-15th century, while Sagrada Familia is Gaudí’s unfinished modernist basilica.

The best month to visit Barcelona is May, when the weather is pleasant and crowds are lighter, making it ideal for exploring the Cathedral of Barcelona. September is another favourable time with comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists.

Yes, visitors are allowed inside the Cathedral of Barcelona, with entry tickets including access to the chapels, crypt, cloister, and rooftop terraces.

The Cathedral of Barcelona, whose construction began in the late 13th century, was completed in the 15th century and is now over 600 years old.

Barcelona Cathedral is about 90 metres (295 feet) tall, with its soaring central spire dominating the skyline of the Gothic Quarter.

The construction of the Cathedral of Barcelona began in 1298 and finished in 1420. However, the facade and central spire were added later in the 19th century.

Inside the Cathedral of Barcelona, visitors can see chapels, Gothic altars, Saint Eulalia’s crypt, and a cloister with geese. The visitors can also visit the rooftop for panoramic views of the city.

The Cathedral was designed by multiple architects over 150 years, including Jaume Fabre and its long construction reflects contributions from several generations.

The Cathedral usually opens at 8:00 AM for prayer and later for tourist visits. Closing times vary between weekdays, weekends, and seasons.

The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon, when crowds are fewer. These hours also allow better lighting for photos inside the church.

No, it’s not strictly necessary to buy tickets in advance, but doing so can save time. Advance booking is recommended during peak tourist seasons.

To reach the rooftop, visitors must purchase a tourist entry ticket that includes rooftop access. A lift (elevator) inside the cathedral takes visitors up to the terraces, where panoramic views of the city await.

The Cathedral of Barcelona is situated in the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic), right in the historic centre of the city, making it very easy to access by different modes of transport:

1. By Metro:

• Take Line 4 (Yellow Line) to Jaume I Station – about a 5-minute walk to the Cathedral.
• Or take Line 3 (Green Line) to Liceu Station – about a 7–10 minute walk through the Gothic Quarter.

2. By Bus:

• Several city bus lines stop near the Cathedral, including V15, V17, 45, and 120, with stops around Via Laietana or Pla de la Seu.

3. By Train:

• From Plaça de Catalunya Station, it’s a short 10-minute walk through central Barcelona to reach the Cathedral.

4. On Foot:

• The Cathedral is just a few minutes’ walk from landmarks such as La Rambla, Plaça de Catalunya, and Plaça Sant Jaume, making it ideal for exploring the Gothic Quarter on foot.

5. By Taxi:

• Taxis in Barcelona are safe and metered. Simply ask for “Catedral de Barcelona” and you’ll be dropped off at the entrance on Pla de la Seu.