How to bypass the greatest and most powerful legacy of the Middle Ages? The Gothic style, with a special, Catalan touch, gives the Cathedral of St. Eulalia its own unique charm.
The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia in Barcelona
It is impossible to bypass the building, which is located in the center of the Gothic Quarter. The look stops at it, and the majestic spires beckon to go inside.
The first thing to notice is the sculpture of Christ that was floating on one of the ships of the Catalan armada.
Nearby are also 13 white geese – a tribute to the legend of St. Eulalia. And if you go higher and higher, you can go to the observation deck, where you can see a beautiful view of Barcelona.
The Cathedral of the Holy Cross is also the residence of the Archbishop. Some people think that the role is played by Sagrada Familia, but it is not. In fact, Gaudi’s work does not even belong to the church.
Legends of the Cathedral of Saint Eulalia in Barcelona
The temple is wrapped in many legends, one of which is about St. Eulalia. At the age of thirteen, the girl chose to die, but not to betray her homeland. The church keeps her remains which are recognized as a relic among all believers.
Another famous relic of the temple is the statue of Christ. According to historical facts, the statue participated in the battle for Lepanto, being on one of the ships of the Spanish Navy. On that day, the country defeated the Turkish invaders, defending its lands.
What to see in the Cathedral of the Holy Cross?
It is not only the statue of Christ that boasts of participation in hostilities. The lattice of St.Oligaria has been here since 1405. She came to the temple from the same ship as the image of the Great Martyr. In addition to her, the altars, which are a little to the right, will also attract attention. These works from the 14th-15th centuries are considered the best in the capital of Catalonia.
And, of course, you can’t get past the patio. There are 13 geese out there with flawless white plumage. The number, as well as the color, is not chosen by chance: Eulalia at the time of her death was exactly 13 years old, and white reflects the purity of the girl.
When is the Cathedral of the Holy Cross open to tourists?
The schedule at the temple is quite tricky, and it may seem strange to tourists. But the locals have long been accustomed to this schedule.
On weekdays and Saturdays, the cathedral is waiting for guests from 8:00 to 19:30. Only for the entrance at lunch time (from 13:00 to 17:00) you will have to pay six euros.
A visit on Sunday and holidays is also possible. The work schedule is identical, except that the paid interval is now 3 hours: from 14:00 to 17:00 pm.
To get into the cathedral, you must come to the Gothic Quarter. The most convenient way to use the subway is to get off at the Jaume I station on the yellow line. Savings lovers can take the bus, there are plenty of stops here, and those for whom time is more important than money can easily get by taxi.
Location of the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and St. Eulalia in Barcelona
