From your first step inside the Barcelona churches and cathedrals, you can feel several hundred years of history radiating in the air, through the echos of the church bells, the faint smell of incense and the rainbow glow of sunlight shining through the stained glass windows. The churches and cathedrals in Barcelona are unlike anything else, with exquisite architecture, grand naves and Gothic and Neo-Gothic facades. There is no better way to explore the rich history and architecture of Barcelona than visiting the many elegant churches and cathedrals. Follow this guide to the best churches in Barcelona you should visit to travel to the past and explore Catalan history and architecture.
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5 best Barcelona churches to visit for an immersive Catalan experience
There is endless history to explore in Barcelona, but one of the best ways to fully take in the Catalan culture and beauty of the city is to visit the variety of Barcelona churches and cathedrals. Since there are so many churches in Barcelona, it can be hard to see them all. Here are the 5 best churches and cathedrals in Barcelona that you must visit.
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Basílica de la Sagrada Família
Yes, you know her, you love her – you cannot come to Barcelona without visiting the Basílica de la Sagrada Família. Seeing the Sagrada Família is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. There is truly no other church like it. The famous architect Antoni Gaudí started constructing the Sagrada Família in 1883, and it is still being constructed to this day. With the completion of the final Jesus spire, the Sagrada Famíla will become the tallest church building in the world. The Sagrada Família is also significant because it is so innovative, using modern techniques and symbolism to spread Christianity through impressive attention to detail. Gaudí also incorporated many elements of nature to make the interior appear as a forest, surrounded by glowing rainbow light. It is a masterpiece and not only one of the best churches in Barcelona, but in the entire world.
Catedral de la Santa Creu i Santa Eulàlia
The Barcelona Cathedral, also known as Catedral de la Santa Creu i Santa Eulàlia, is a major symbol of Barcelona. Completed during the mid-15th century, the Barcelona Cathedral holds a lot of history. It was constructed in the traditional Catalan Gothic style with space for two secondary chapels in each section of the naves, so they encircle the entire cathedral. There are also many decorative pieces to see inside such as King Martin’s throne of gilded silver and jewels, the choir stalls adorned with the coats of arms of the Order of the Golden Fleece and painted Gothic altarpieces. The Barcelona Cathedral is also famous for the crypt of Santa Eulalia, the patron saint of Barcelona.
Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar
One of the most beautiful churches in Barcelona, the Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar was constructed in the 14th century in the traditional Catalan Gothic style. It was built and funded originally by local fishermen and people who lived in the seaside neighborhood and wanted to create a more dynamic environment that represented their prosperity. The church was built in only 54 years which is a record time for churches at the time that usually needed at least 100 years. While the church has a typical simplistic and symmetrical exterior, the inside has a magnificent glow from the array of stained glass windows. The Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar is also a must-visit due to the incredible 360-degree views from its three elevation levels. Here, you can get a close-up look at the stained glass windows, gargoyles and, of course, the cityscape.
Basílica Santa María del Pi
Constructed during the 14th century, the Basílica Santa María del Pi was built right by a pine tree, giving it its name of Santa María of the Pine. It is designed in typical Catalan style with a more simplistic exterior, but it has one of the world’s largest rose windows that beautifully illuminates the church. The remains of many members of Barcelona nobility and the Barcelona saint, Sant Josep Oriol, are housed in the church. There is also a museum with collections of silverware and goldware, as well as funerary coats of arms. You can also enjoy some breathtaking views climbing to the top of the bell tower. There is a lot of history to discover at the Basílica Santa María del Pi.
Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor
Different from all of the other churches, the Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor, also known as the Expiatory Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, is a Neogothic temple finished in 1961. It sits at the highest point of Tibidabo Mountain, with a statue of Jesus on top, looking over the entire city. The inside of the temple is not as large as it might seem from its exterior, but it is made up of two floors with the neo-Byzantine crypt on the first and a Roman and Gothic style church on the second floor. You do not want to miss this opportunity of experiencing the majestic views and serenity of the Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor.