Along with the iconic Basilica of the Sagrada Familia, Barcelona is also known for its historic Cathedral of Barcelona. Nestled within narrow alleyways, the Cathedral stands as a proud testament to the city’s rich history. Arriving at the Gothic Quarter, where the Cathedral of Barcelona is a central attraction, is like stepping back in time.
If you venture off the bustling Ramblas, a meandering journey through the city’s winding streets can lead you to the heart of Barcelona.
Here, amidst the relics of ancient Barcino (Barcelona’s Roman name), emblems of the Jewish Quarter, and haunts once favored by Art Nouveau’s bohemian artists, lies the majestic Cathedral of Barcelona.
This area, undoubtedly one of the most attractive districts in Barcelona, is anchored by the gothic gem of the Cathedral of Barcelona, a pivotal landmark in the city’s architectural and cultural landscape.
Les débuts de l'histoire de la cathédrale de Barcelone
Barcelona Cathedral, officially known as “Catedral de la Santa Creu i Santa Eulàlia” – is a historical cathedral with a relatively modern facade. The Cathedral you see stands on the same spot occupied by the Early Christian Cathedral in the fourth century the remains of it can be seen in the subsoil and the City History Museum.
“The Cathedral of Barcelona is a place where the divine meets the earthly, where history and spirituality converge.”
L'église d'origine a subi de graves dommages lors de l'invasion du chef de guerre arabe Almanzor au Xe siècle et a ensuite été reconstruite dans une nouvelle église de style roman. En mai 1298, sous le règne de Jaime II d'Aragon, la construction de l'église gothique actuelle a commencé et s'est poursuivie pendant plus de 150 ans.
En outre, la façade que les touristes admirent aujourd'hui a été construite beaucoup plus récemment, au XIXe siècle, après être restée intacte pendant plus de 400 ans.
L'emblème de la cathédrale : La légende poignante de Sainte-Eulalie
Depuis 599 après J.-C., cette cathédrale de Barcelone est dédiée à la Sainte Croix. En 877, l'ancienne cathédrale chrétienne a reçu les reliques de Sainte Eulalie, patronne de la ville de Barcelone, qui sont cachées dans l'église de Santa Maria del Mar.
En raison de la puissante légende qui entoure cette martyre chrétienne morte à la fin du troisième siècle, la cathédrale de Barcelone possède un grand nombre de souvenirs qui lui sont consacrés : une porte, des vitraux, des clés de voûte, des reliefs, des images, etc.
“Gothic cathedrals are the Bible in stone. They are a representation in the architecture of the life of humanity on Earth, a fulfillment of spiritual ideas.”
– Fyodor Dostoevsky
Selon les légendes, les Romains ont infligé à sainte Eulalie 13 supplices, un pour chaque année de sa vie : ils l'ont battue, emprisonnée, torturée, ont brûlé ses seins sur un chevalet et l'ont jetée dans une fosse de chaux vive et dans une cour infestée de puces.
The ninth torment is the most well-known, in which she was closed in a casket filled with shattered glass, nails, and knives and thrown down a steep street, which was known as the Baixada de Santa Eulàlia. Finally, the maiden was nailed to an x-shaped cross that you see today as the emblem of the Barcelona Cathedral.
Localisation, heures d'ouverture et accès
Barcelona Cathedral is located on the Pla de la Seu, in the heart of the Gothic Quarter. To reach there, take the Metro to ‘Jaume l Station’ on line 4 and walk from there. In addition, if you happen to be in this part of town, you may go there on foot.
La cathédrale de Barcelone est accessible au public aux heures suivantes :
Du lundi au vendredi : 8 h 00 à 12 h 30 et 17 h 45 à 19 h 30.
Le samediLes horaires de travail sont les suivants : de 8h30 à 12h30 et de 17h15 à 20h.
Dimanche et jours fériés : 14 h 00 à 17 h 30
Le reste de la journée, la cathédrale de Barcelone est exclusivement ouverte pour des services religieux. Bien que vous soyez les bienvenus, les photographies ne sont pas autorisées à ce moment-là. Il est attendu de vous que vous priiez respectueusement pendant toute la durée de l'office.
Horaires des messes :
Du lundi au vendredi : 9 h 00 à 12 h 00 et 19 h 00
Le samedi : 17 h 00 à 19 h 00
Dimanche et jours fériés : 9 h 00, 10 h 30, 12 h 00, 13 h 00, 18 h 00, 19 h 00
Toutes les messes sont en catalan ou en espagnol.
Bien qu'il n'y ait pas de jours où le bâtiment soit officiellement fermé, il est essentiel de vérifier son fonctionnement. site web pour connaître les heures de visite actuelles si vous partez en voyage.
Frais d'admission
Access to the Cathedral of Barcelona’s central nave and cloisters is free. However, there are fees for specific areas: the Choir costs €3, and the Terraces and lift are also €3 each. A combined ticket that includes these and the Sala Capitular Museum within the Cathedral of Barcelona is available for €7.
Don’t miss the stunning views from the Cathedral of Barcelona’s terrace. Remember, the terrace closes 30 minutes before the rest of the cathedral, so plan accordingly, especially if you’ve pre-purchased a ticket. Outside peak tourist season, tickets can usually be bought upon entry to the Cathedral of Barcelona.
Les icônes du centre de Barcelone à la loupe
Barcelona is not only a city celebrated for its vibrant culture and mesmerizing beauty but also a treasure trove of history. As you navigate the narrow streets of central Barcelona, especially the ancient “barri gotic”, or Gothic Quarter, it’s hard to miss the city’s architectural jewels, notably the Barcelona cathedral, commonly referred to as “la seu”.
La majestueuse cathédrale de Barcelone (La Seu)
Constructed mainly during the 15th century, this Gothic Cathedral stands as a testament to the architectural prowess of the past. Yet, it wasn’t the first religious building to grace this site; before the Gothic Cathedral, there stood a Romanesque cathedral that echoed a simpler design and aesthetic. But as Gothic architecture took hold, with its emphasis on verticality, pointed arches, and intricate details, the cathedral was reborn into what we see today.
À l'intérieur, le cloître offre la tranquillité, accompagnée d'un chœur d'oies, tandis que le clocher offre aux visiteurs une vue panoramique de la ville, de l'animation de la Rambla (ou Las Ramblas) aux lointains sommets qui entourent la région.
Les saints de Barcelone
The cathedral is also named after Santa Eulalia or St Eulalia, the co-patron saint of Barcelona. Legend has it that she suffered martyrdom during Roman times, with stories recounting her being subjected to various tortures, making her a revered figure in the city’s lore.
“The Cathedral of Barcelona is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, a testament to the city’s rich history and spiritual heritage.”
Other saints like Saint Ivo, Saint George, Saint Raymond, and Saint Olegarius also hold places of honor within the cathedral’s vast interiors. Each with their own stories, these figures contribute to the rich tapestry of Barcelona’s religious history.
Sagrada Familia: Gaudi’s Masterpiece
While the cathedral is a paragon of Gothic design, another church takes center stage when talking about architectural marvels in Barcelona – the Sagrada Familia or la Sagrada Familia. This basilica, designed by the legendary Antoni Gaudi, incorporates both Gothic architecture and Gothic revival elements while blending them with Gaudi’s unique modernist style. Unlike anything else in the world, this structure, still under construction, draws countless visitors annually.
Rues et monuments dynamiques
Close to the cathedral, la Rambla, more commonly known to tourists as las Ramblas, stands as one of the most iconic streets in Barcelona. Lined with shops, cafes, and the pulse of the city’s life, it’s a microcosm of Barcelona’s spirit.
Additionally, the old city or the old city region houses various Barcelona churches, each with its unique tale and design. Among them, the church of Santa llúcia, closely associated with the Corpus Christi festival, and the church dedicated to the holy Christ draw considerable attention.
For those with a love for modernist design, Casa Batlló by Gaudi offers a stark contrast to the Gothic marvels but is equally compelling.
Célébrations et traditions
The cathedral museum is a treasure house for those keen on understanding the historical and religious significance of artifacts from bygone eras. Festivals like the one for Santa Llúcia, showcase the region’s rich traditions, while the celebration of the holy sacrament emphasizes the deep-rooted faith of the locals.
Barcelona’s heart, particularly in central Barcelona, is alive with stories of saints like Saint Eulalia (or St Eulalia), and architectural marvels that have been shaped, among others, by personalities like Antoni Gaudi and Manuel Girona. From the towering spires of la Sagrada Familia to the resonating bells of the Catedral de Barcelona, the city is an embodiment of faith, history, and unparalleled architectural beauty. As you walk its streets, it’s clear that Barcelona’s legacy, from the Virgin Mary to the very stones that pave the streets of the barri gotic, is a testament to the city’s enduring spirit.
Conseils utiles
- N'oubliez pas que la sécurité peut inspecter les objets avant de vous laisser entrer.
- Citizens and tourists are requested to dress appropriately. In this case, appropriate dress means clothing that covers the thighs and shoulders. Otherwise, you can’t enter if you do not comply with this policy.
- Montez sur le toit de la cathédrale pour admirer la vue sur Barcelone. Pour les meilleures vues, allez-y entre 10 et 11 heures du matin, quand il y a peu de touristes.
- There is a specific slot in the sarcophagus containing St. Eulalia’s relics where you may place a coin — the sarcophagus is illuminated with lovely lights.
- Chaque mois, la cathédrale de Barcelone organise des concerts d'orgue. Mais pour pouvoir y assister, il faut s'y prendre à l'avance.
- If you’re in the Gothic Quarter and walking to the Barcelona Cathedral, make sure to take a map with you because you can easily get lost in the old part of Barcelona.
Foire aux questions (FAQ)
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Résultat final
So that’s it! Hopefully, you’ve enjoyed going through this article as much as you will when visiting this gothic gem. We hope this can save you some time when planning your next trip to Barcelona!
By the way, if you are planning to travel to Barcelona, be sure to check out our articles on the best attractions and the best activities in Barcelona. We’ve listed some below.
- Découvrir Montserrat Espagne
- Le meilleur guide pour Musée Picasso
- Top Guide pour Sagrada Familia
Faites-nous savoir si vous avez des questions ou des commentaires concernant cet article ou tout autre chose. Vous pouvez toujours nous trouver sur Facebook ou Instagram ou en laissant un commentaire ci-dessous Joyeux voyage !
