La Catedral de Sant Eulalia

One of Barcelona’s most famous historical sites is the Cathedral of Saint Eulalia.  It is located in Barcelona’s Gothic quarter next to the ancient Roman ruins.   Upon first glance the sheer size of the cathedral is mesmerizing, but the interior is even more spectacular.  The cathedral was constructed throughout the 13^th and 15^th centuries, with most of the work being done in the 14^th century.  Today the cathedral is under renovation in order to improve and uphold its magnitude and beauty.  The cathedral has a neo-Gothic façade and was constructed over the nondescript exterior that was common to Catalan churches in the 19^th century.  The façade is decorated with many carvings and statues of figures, the most notable being Saint Peter.  The cathedral is also topped with gargoyles in the form of animals and mythical creatures.  Gargoyles were thought to keep the evil spirits away, as well as act as a drainage system. 

            The cathedral is in the form of a hall church which has five aisles which are divided by two chapels.  The Cathedral of Barcelona is dedicated to Eulalia of Barcelona, the co-patron saint of Barcelona.  Eulalia was a young virgin, who, according to Catholic tradition, suffered martyrdom during Roman times in Barcelona.  Legend has it that Eulalia was escorted throughout the town in the nude, but miraculously a mid-spring snowfall covered her naked body.  The enraged Romans then shoved her into a barrel full of knives and rolled it down a street, which is now called Baixada de Santa Eulalia.  The remains of Saint Eulalia are entombed in the cathedral’s crypt and remain there as relics.  The cloister of the cathedral contains 13 symbolic geese.  These geese symbolize Eulalia because she endured 13 tortures as well as was 13 years of age when she died.

            Next to La Sagrada Familia, La Catedral de Sant Eulalia is my favorite building in Barcelona.  No matter how many times I walk past it I am awe struck.  It is a beautiful building that symbolizes Barcelona and I recommend that anyone visiting Barcelona see this building.