Recommended tour
Located right next to the Barcelona Cathedral and easily accessible from the cathedral floor, is the cloister. It was built much later than the cathedral, sometime in the 14th century, and is considered just as beautiful, if not more. It is loved for the charming courtyard with tall palm trees; a refreshing change of scenery in the Gothic Quarter. Here, you also get to see the 13 geese bathing in the Well of the Geese. The geese are believed to represent the age at which Saint Eulalia was martyred. It is also one of the only places to host Barcelona's most striking tradition of 'Ou com Balla' or dancing egg.
One of the most magnificent sights and significant sculpture works inside Barcelona Cathedral is that of the choir or choir seats that date back to the 14th and 15th centuries. Built in the Catalan Gothic style, its canopies and pinnacles were made by the sculptor Michael Lochner and his disciple Johan Friedrich at the end of the 15th century. Having preserved its charm as is, on these seats you see the details such as the coats-of-arms of the knights of the Order of the Golden Fleece which were painted on the backs of all the choir seats.
Gothic Barcelona Cathedral has a small museum too, that is located under the gallery of the cloister next to the chapel dedicated to Saint Lucia. The museum does not have too many artefacts on display. However, the few works here are considered to be of great importance, like the works of Spanish gothic painter Bartolomé Bermejo. You will also find the terracotta sculpture of Saint Eulalia by Anthony Claperós, and paintings of Saint Bernardino and the Guardian Angel. Another significant piece is the monstrance, from the late-14th century, made up from the campaign throne of King Martin the Humane.
The Chapel of Lepanto was built as a small chapterhouse or place to hold meetings. It is considered special because it holds an unusual crucifix known as the Holy Christ of Lepanto. The crucifix is famous for its slanted shape, which according to legend occurred when it was aboard a royal ship under the attack of a cannonball fire. It is believed that the crucifix miraculously leaned to the side on its own to avoid the fire and has stayed slanted that way since. Another story says the cross was in the ship and was moved to cover a large hole that would've sunk the ship.
To enjoy spectacular views of the city of Barcelona take the elevator up to the rooftops from the Barcelona Cathedral. It can be accessed through the chapel of Innocent Saints. This is an especially good idea if you're on a time-crunch, you'll only have to pay a small fee to use the lift. Once here, you get to take in the views of central Barcelona and some of the well-known parts of the city like the two bell towers, the two lateral pinnacles, the cimborio crowned by the Holy Cross, the cloister and just a beautiful panoramic view of Barcelona.
Duration: 2 hours
Best time to visit would be during the weekdays. Visit between 5 PM to 6 PM to witness the sunset and enjoy the dreamy views of the sunlight shining through the intricate stained glass of the Cathedral. 9 AM on Mondays would be the quietest slot of the week.
Know MoreAddress: Cathedral of Barcelona, Pla de la Seu, s/n, 08002 Barcelona, Spain.
Budget: Hostel One Ramblas, Generator Barcelona, Ibis Budget Barcelona Centro
Mid-range: Hotel Soho Barcelona, Catalonia Catedral, Hotel Barcelona Catedral
Luxury: Hotel Pulitzer Barcelona, Hotel Neri Relais & Châteaux, Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona
Yes, you can buy Barcelona Cathedral tickets online.
Your Barcelona Cathedral tickets are valid for the date and time selected during checkout.
No, the standard entry tickets to Barcelona Cathedral don't allow skip-the-line entry.
The Barcelona Cathedral tours are self-guided tours, so guided tours are not available. You can download an audio guide on your phone which is included in your ticket.
Barcelona Cathedral tickets cannot be canceled, amended, or rescheduled.
The Barcelona Cathedral is open for cultural and tourist visits from 0:9:30 AM to 6:30 PM on weekdays, from 09:30 AM to 5:15 PM on Saturdays, and from 2 PM to 5 PM on Sundays.
The best time would be either on Monday at 9 am or between 5 pm to 6 pm on weekdays.
As a functioning church, visitors are expected to dress modestly. Wear clothes that cover the knees and shoulders.
Your Barcelona Cathedral tickets allow you to access the cathedral in its entirety, from the cathedral floor and cloister, and choir to the terrace.