Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia | 14th-Century Neo-Gothic Cathedral in Barcelona

Paintings

Inside the chapels of Barcelona Cathedral are many Gothic paintings that form altarpieces. Some noteworthy artists involved were Guerau Gener, Gabriel Alemany, Bernat Martorell, Lluis Borrassà, and many others. One such masterpiece is by Bernat Martorell called the Altarpiece of Transfiguration. It shows a series of paintings including Christ on a crucifix surrounded by his followers as well as his resurrection. The museum of the Cathedral also houses an exquisite collection of paintings by artists like Jaume Huguet, Pere Destorrents, and Bartolomé Bermejo who created the masterpiece - The Pieta. La Pieta is a powerful piece showing Mary holding the body of Christ after his crucifixion.

Heart chair

The chairs or the choir are located in the heart of the Cathedral and date back to the 14th and 15th centuries. On the backs of the seats, there are images of the Order of the Golden Fleece from the 16th century, forming the coat of arms. Another highlight of the choir is the pulpit or high chair created between 1394 and 1499 by Pere Canglada and Maties Bonafė along with John Lambert and Anthony Claperós. The pinnacle canopies around the choir were created by Kassel and Michael Lochner, both commendable artists from their time. Finally, you will notice the retrochoir, which is closed off by a marble wall. On the wall are reliefs created by Bartolomė Ordóñez and Pedro Villar.

Stained windows

Many stained-glass windows adorn the walls of Barcelona Cathedral. All of them have 3 panels, where the central panel displays an image of one main character, while the side panels contain geometric designs symbolizing royal families of the city, angels, etc. 

The windows can be divided into 4 periods. The earliest from the years 1317 to 1334 is shown by a figure of Bishop Ponc de Gualba along with the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia. The second period was around 1400 as depicted by Saint Andrew surrounded by other significant individuals of the time. The third period is from the 15th century and forms the most important window representing Saint Michael and Noli me tangere. Finally, we have windows from the 19th and 20th centuries, forming part of the sidewalls and the facade. 

Sacristy

The sacristy with 3 rooms was the result of expansions that took place in 1408 and 1502. The sacristy is also where masses are recorded for the deceased and where the faithful are attended to.

Sepulcher of Saint Raymond of Penyafort

Above the altar of the Chapel of Saint Raymond of Penyafort, you will find a Gothic sepulcher depicting scenes from his life. While under the altar resides a sepulcher showing a prone figure of the saint along with a tomb from the convent of Saint Catherine.

Museum

What was once the site for a soup kitchen is now an elegant museum at the Barcelona Cathedral. Inside the museum, you will find a range of collections from the 11th-century.

Chapel of Saint Lucia

The chapel of Saint Lucia was built between 1257 and 1268 in late Romanesque style. It was originally dedicated to the Virgin Saints, but since 1296 it has solely been dedicated to Saint Lucia, known as the protector of sight.

Chapter house

Located next to the chapel of Saint Lucia is the Chapterhouse of Barcelona Cathedral, built in the 17th century. It is a rectangular space covered by a barrel vault with lunettes that can be accessed through the Cloister.

Facade

The facade of Barcelona Cathedral was constructed by outstanding architect José Oriol Mestres under the guidance of Manuel Girona. It took almost 3 years to complete the construction between 1887 and 1890.

Rooftops

Once you get to the top, you can see the two bell towers, the two pinnacles, the cimborio crowned by the Holy Cross, the Cloister, and some unforgettable panoramic views of Barcelona.

Door of Saint Ivo

For about 500 years, the Door of Saint Ivo was the main entrance to Barcelona Cathedral, located under one of the bell towers. It is the oldest door in the Cathedral, dating back to 1298 when it was built.

Chapel of Lepanto

Constructed in 1407, the Chapel of the Holy Sacrament or the Holy Christ of Lepanto is a rectangular space covered by a large star vault. At the center resides a keystone sculpted by Joan Claperós in 1454, representing the Pentecost. Inside the Chapel is a Baroque sepulcher of Saint Olegarius and one of the Holy Christ of Lepanto.

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