Spain Investment Immigration focus on Life in Spain: When mentioning churches in Barcelona, most people will immediately think of Gaudí's Sagrada Família. It is so famous that it stands out among all of Gaudí's architectural works, attracting visitors from all over the world with its immense popularity. As a result, the Barcelona Cathedral, which was originally the center of the city, has been severely overlooked and remains largely unknown.
Located right next to the Plaça Reial, the Barcelona Cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia (Catedral de Santa Eulalia de Barcelona), is the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Barcelona and a symbol of the Barcelona diocese.
This Gothic cathedral was built between the 13th and 15th centuries, taking 150 years from the start of construction to completion. Due to a lack of funds and political reasons, the magnificent Gothic facade was not completed until the end of the 19th century, thanks to the sponsorship of a banker. The exterior of the cathedral is simple, decorated only with vertical buttresses. The various parts of the church exhibit different architectural styles; the main structure is primarily Gothic, while the dome and interior structure display Neo-Gothic elements.
Living in the shadow of the immensely popular Sagrada Família, the brilliance of the Barcelona Cathedral is somewhat dimmed. However, the lack of noise brings a sense of tranquility, which, for a church, could be considered a "blessing in disguise." In modern terms, if the Sagrada Família is high-end and grand, the Barcelona Cathedral is low-key, luxurious, and profound. This becomes even more apparent after stepping inside, as the thick religious atmosphere exuded by the Barcelona Cathedral is far beyond what the Sagrada Família can offer.