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Catedral

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akakd
akakd
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4 out of 5
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Editor Pick

Catedral de Barcelona

  • December 28, 2006
  • Rated 4 of 5 by Tolik from Tampa, Florida
Catedral de Barcelona

The historic Cathedral de la Santa Creu i Santa Eulalia, a beautiful example of Catalan Gothic art, is a must-see; expect to spend several hours here. In the afternoon, the admission is free.

First church at the site of the current cathedral was built in 343 A.D, yes when the Roman Empire was in power here. In 985 the basilica was destroyed by the Moors and replaced by a Roman cathedral, built between 1046 and 1058. A Roman chapel, the Capella de Santa Llucia, was added between 1257 and 1268. Thirty years later, in 1298, construction of the Gothic cathedral started under King Jaume the 2nd, but facade was not completed until 19th century and the central spire was completed in 1913 (design of both the facade and the spire were based on the original design from 1408).

The cathedral is dedicated to Santa Eulalia, martyred by the Romans for daring to prefer Christianity, and her tomb rests in a crypt beneath the high altar. One story tells that she was exposed naked in the public square and a miraculous snow fall in mid spring covered her nudity. The cathedral’s magnificent 14th-century cloister has magnolias and palm trees growing in the middle and geese waddling around the periphery. If they disturb the tranquility of the scene, they do so for a purpose - the geese have been kept here for over 500 years to reflect the virginity of Santa Eulalia. There are always 13 geese in the cloister; each one represents one year in the life of the young girl tortured to death. The cathedral builders considered geese sacred birds, symbolizing the return of the soul to the eschatological resting places.

The Cathedral square also called Placa de la Seu, is frequently used during Barcelona’s numerous festivals; stop by to watch a singer or the dancers. Visit the square on Sunday when the locals gather to perform La Sardana, the local folk dance.

From journal Dragons of Barcelona

Cathedral of Santa Eularia

  • March 30, 2001
  • Rated 3 of 5 by akakd from , Arizona
Cathedral of Santa Eularia

Work on this Cathedral was begun in 1298. We enjoyed the lovely Cloister, where we were surprised to find geese wandering about. The Gothic interior of the sanctuary contains stained glass windows from the 15th century.

From journal Barcelona--Gaudi, Wow!

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