Churches & Chapels

Antoni Gaudi's La Sagrada Familia adorn the crown as Barcelona's most famous religious landmark, yet there are also many other fabulous religious buildings which share Barcelona’s wonderful history. Each example exhibits its own style and heritage and here you will find a few examples which just cannot be overlooked when planning your itinerary.


Barcelona Cathedral

More commonly known as ‘La Seu’, this grand cathedral dates back to 1298 and is arguably the spiritual centre of Barcelona. Architecturally, it is a mixture of Gothic, Baroque and Romanesque styling given the fact that it has been altered and added to over the centuries. Located in the Barri Gòtic district of the city, La Seu’s impressive, winding spires can be seen throughout the area.

This famous Cathedral features large, sweeping arches, bell towers and a beautifully decorative interior with its centrepiece being found in a piece of art depicting the crucifixion of Jesus. Dedicated to the Catholic denomination, La Seu is one of Spain’s most impressive holy buildings.

Visitors to La Seu can visit the Chapel for free and also enjoy a museum tour for the modest price of around €2. One of the best features of La Seu for its guests is the opportunity to take an elevator ride to the rooftops of the Cathedral for some fantastic photo opportunities of the surrounding area.

Address:
Plaça de la Seu s/n.
Barri Gotic, Barcelona,
+34 933 15 15 54

How to get there:
Metro: (L4) Jaume, (L3) Liceu

Opening Hours:
Cathedral: Daily 09:00 – 13:00 and 17:00 – 19:00
Museum: Daily 10:00 – 13:00 and 16:00 – 18:30
Rooftop: Monday through Saturday 10:30 – 13:30 and 17:00 – 18:00


Església de Sant Pau del Camp
(Church of St. Paul)

Found in the centre of El Raval is Barcelona’s oldest Church; The Romanesque styled Església de Sant Pau del Camp. Founded in the 9th Century as a Benedictine Monastery, the Church possesses a wonderful and interesting history which has even seen it function as a soldier’s barracks. The building itself does show its age however the best feature is the wonderful 12th century cloister which is a great place to take a moments quiet reflection.

More information on the Església de Sant Pau del Camp can be found at; http://www.bcn.es/turisme/catala/turisme/welcome.htm

Address:
Carrer Sant Pau 101
08001 Barcelona
+34 934 41 00 01

How to get there:

Opening Times: Daily 10:00 to 13:30 and 16:00 – 19:00


Iglesia de Sant Pere de les Puel.les
(Church of St. Peter)

This 10th Century Romanesque Church was originally part of a larger Benedictine monastery. Today, only the Church itself remains, yet it still stands as Romanesque monument detailing Barcelona’s religious past. Located between 3 plazas and within walking distance of Barcelona Cathedral, this Church features some of the most classical Romanesque interior designs on offer in the city. The high beams, sweeping vaults and low lighting create a beautiful, large space which has been in use for over 1000 years.

Previously, there were some incredible paintings inside the Chapel which have since been transferred to the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya and are housed within a collection there on Montjuic hill.

Address:
Plaza de San Pedro s/n
08003 Barcelona
+34 932 68 07 42

How to get there:
Metro: (L1) Arc de Triomf

Opening Hours: Monday through Friday 08:30 – 13:00 and 17:00 – 19:30. Saturdays 08:30 – 13:00 and 16:30 – 18:30. Sundays 09:30 – 14:00


Església de Santa María del Mar
(The Cathedral of the Sea)

The Església de Santa Maria del Mar is known throughout Barcelona as ‘The People’s Church’. This is mainly due to the way in which it was constructed with the help of merchants and sailors who frequented the port of Barcelona. These workers would carry the huge keystones used to build the church on their backs all the way from the quarry at Montjuic. The dedication of these workers is depicted on the main doors of the church and the story has also inspired a best-selling novel ‘The Cathedral of the Sea’ by Ildefonso Falcones.

The Església de Santa Maria del Mar is certainly one of the most beautiful Gothic Churches in Barcelona and it is a favourite among locals as a destination to exchange wedding vows due to its special history and breath-taking interior which is a fabulous example of archetypal Catalan Gothic style. Built in the 14th Century, the Església de Santa Maria del Mar is a large, imposing structure with square shapes and vast towers which cast magnificent shadows on the cobblestones below. It is also argued that the towering designs were a significant influence in Gaudi’s designs of La Sagrada Familia. 

Address:
Església de Santa María del Mar
Carrer de Montcada,
Barri Gotic, Barcelona

How to get there:
Metro: (L4) Jaume I

Opening Hours: Daily 09:00 – 13:30 and 16:30 – 20:00


Monestir de Pedralbes
(Pedralbes Monastery)

This outstandingly beautiful Gothic monastery was founded in the 14th century and possesses a Church, cloister and now a museum for visitors where you can gain an insight into what medieval life was like within the monastery.  The museum covers six centuries through various means including works of art, religious objects and furniture. A small number of Nuns still live within the monastery making it a great example of the practice of Catholic faith within Barcelona. The Monestir de Pedralbes is a part of the wonderful Museu d’História de Barcelona project which operates in venues around the city. The professionalism associated with such museums is exemplary and further exhibits the necessity to visit them.
For more information on the Monastery please visit www.museuhistoria.bcn.cat

Address:
 Baixada del Monestir, 9
08034, Barcelona
+34 932 56 34 34

How to get there:
Buses: (22), (63), (64), (78).

Opening times:
(October 1st – March 30th) Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 - 14:00. Sundays 10:00 – 20:00. Public Holidays 10:00 – 15:00.
(April 1st – September 30th) Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 – 17:00. Sundays 10:00 – 20:00. Public Holidays 10:00 - 15:00.
Closed:
December 25th, January 1st, May 1st, June 24th.


Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor
(Expiatory temple of the Sacred Heart)

This wonderful church looks over the city from up high on Tibidabo Mountain. Its night-time illumination provides a hauntingly beautiful backdrop to those districts of Barcelona which are lucky enough to have it in full view.

Relatively new in terms of the grand historical religious buildings Barcelona has to offer, del Sagrat Cor went under construction in 1902 and was later completed in 1961. Crowned with a huge bronze statue of Jesus, the sacred heart is one of Barcelona’s most recognisable landmarks and a paying it a visit also provides truly fantastic Panoramic views of the city below.

For further information please visit www.templotibidabo.org

Address:
Plaça del Tibidabo,
08035 Barcelona
+34 934 17 56 86

How to get there:
Ferrocarill Train: (L7) Catalunya, Provença Passeig de Gràcia to Av. Tibidabo
Followed by: Tramvia Blau (Funicular) which will take you right to the top.
Buses: (T2) Tibibus Shuttle which runs all day from Plaça Catalunya.


La Sagrada Familia

This world famous and iconic Cathedral is still being constructed 128 years after the first stone was put in place. It is dubbed "The Cathedral of the Twentieth Century" and the sheer brilliance of its design will indicate why in just one glimpse. Recognised as Antoni Gaudi’s finest achievement, La Sagrada Familia is Barcelona’s number one visitor attraction and pulls in millions of new guests each year.

The stunning designs, coupled with its museum and tours make it one of the places you simply cannot miss during your visit to Barcelona. For the religious, it is a building to make pilgrimage to and for those who appreciate grand designs…get your camera ready.

Read more on La Sagrada Familia here or visit the official website at; www.sagradafamilia.org

Address:
La Sagrada Familia
Carrer de Mallorca 401
08013 Barcelona
+34 934 550 247

How to get there:
 Metro (L2), (L5) Sagrada Familia


Capella de Santa Àgata
(Chapel of St Agatha)
 
The Capella de Santa Àgata shares a fantastic history and is potentially the first Church you should plan to visit whilst in Barcelona. It is true that the Church itself, erected in the 14th century, is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture both inside and out. Yet the Santa Àgata is actually part of a much wider story with its particular location in the city. It is a part of the Palacio Real Major (Royal Palace) complex and furthermore it is built on the site where the first recorded Christian communities in Barcelona resided. Indeed, the Roman walls of first century BC Barcino are within metres of the Church which acts as the centrepiece to the complex with its stunning stained glass windows. The entire site is the main attraction of the Museu d’História de Barcelona project.

For more information on the Capella de Santa Àgata and the Museu d’História de Barcelona project please visit; http://www.museuhistoria.bcn.es/

Address:
Plaça del Rei, s / n
08002 Barcelona
+34 93 256 21 00

How to get there:
Metro: (L1), (L3) Catalunya. (L1), (L4) Urquinaona. (L1), (L4) Liceu.
Buses: 17, 19, 40 and 45

Opening Hours: (October 1st through March 31st) Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 – 14:00 and again between 16:00 – 19:00. (April 1st through September 30th) Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 – 20:00. Sundays 10:00 – 20:00 (All year round).
Closed: Every Monday. December 25th, January 1st, May 1st and June 24th.


Capella de Sant Jordi
(Chapel of St. George)

Inside the Palau de la Generalitat (Palace of the Government) is the Capella de Sant Jordi which serves as a Catholic Chapel. Designed and constructed around the 15th century by architect Marc Safont, the Chapel contains some exquisite artwork and embroidery.  Highlights of the Chapel include a stunning, colourful sculpture of Barcelona’s Patron Saint St George and a glorious rose window which colours the space with light.

Address:
Palau de la Generalitat
Pl de Sant Jaume
08002 Barcelona

How to get there:
Metro: (L4) Jaume, (L3) Liceu.

Opening Hours: The Palau de Generalitat is open to the groups and individual visitors on the second and fourth weekend of every month as well as St George’s Day (April 23rd), the day of the Mercé festival (September 24th) as well as September 11th. To register your interest in visiting you must fill out the application form at http://www.gencat.cat/generalitat/eng/guia/palau/visites.htm


Església de Betlem
(Church of Bethlehem)

Previously, Las Ramblas had religious buildings strewn up and down its promenade, yet their decline over recent times has left only a few examples in this area. One such remaining Church is ‘Església de Betlem’ which is one of Barcelona’s best offerings of Baroque styling from the 17th century. The Church, like all of the religious buildings in the city depicts a grand history and is still active to this day, especially around the Christmas period when it becomes a centrepiece for the Nativity story with some excellent scene recreations for local children and tourists.

Address:
La Rambla del Estudis
Barri Gòtic Barcelona
+34 93 318 38 23

How to get there:
Metro: (L3) Liceu.

Opening Hours
Daily: 09:00-14:00 and 18:00-21:00