Barcelona Cathedral

A magnificent Gothic cathedral in the old centre of Barcelona, and the seat of the Archbishop of Spain.

TravelCurious Tip

For just €3 you can visit the roof of the Cathedral and get amazing views of the city - as well as a good look at the gargoyles.

Gothic quarters

The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia is a gorgeous Gothic cathedral in the old centre of the bustling Catalan city; it is also the seat of the Archbishop of Spain. Construction of the Cathedral began at the end of the 13th century during the reign of King James II of Aragon, and took around 150 years to complete, by which time King Alfonso V ruled the kingdom. It was built on the site where two less regal Christian churches had previously stood; a primitive paleo-Christian temple was replaced by a Romanesque Cathedral in 1058, which was in turn replaced with the majestic Gothic structure we see today.


The Cathedral is dedicated to Saint Eulalia, a young virgin who became a martyr for her faith when she was killed during the persecutions of the Roman Emperor Diocletian. The story goes that she was publicly shamed by being forced to go naked in the streets, but that snow miraculously fell to cover her. She was then put in a barrel which was stuck through with knives and rolled down the street, now called Baixade de Santa Eulalia. Her tomb is in the crypt of the Cathedral.


L’Ou com Balla

Eulalia is also commemorated in the Font de les Oques, a well in the cloister which houses thirteen white geese - the age at which the saint was allegedly martyred. While the structure and internal decoration of the Cathedral were completed by the 15th century, its neo-Gothic façade was added at the end of the 19th century, covering the rather plain original exterior; the roof was also adorned with an impressive range of gargoyles.


Mass is celebrated daily in the Cathedral and the church remains extremely popular with members of the Catholic community today. Visitors of the Cathedral can marvel at its magnificent Gothic art, Baroque altar, splendid choir and the mysterious sepulchre of St. Eulalia. If you are lucky enough to visit during the feast of Corpus Christi, you may see the Catalan tradition of the Dancing Egg - a hollowed egg suspended dancing on the jet of the cloister’s fountain.


Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in Barcelona
El Born
A trendy neighbourhood with interesting bars, restaurants and stylish boutiques.
Placa del Rei
Meaning 'Kings Square' this 14th century medieval public square is in the Barri Gòtic of Barcelona.
Picasso Museum
A wonderful collection traces Picasso’s creative genius from his roots in Barcelona.
Church of Santa Maria del Mar
Built in Catalonian Gothic style, this Basilica has been through a lot.
Fossar de les Moreres
Memorial to the defenders of Barcelona who died in the siege of 1714
Spanish pinchos
A small snack, typically eaten in bars, made of a slice of bread and various toppings above.

Related Tours

The Historic Heart of Barcelona: Family-Friendly Private Tour

Explore the historic and vibrant heart of Barcelona on this family-friendly 2.5-hour private walking tour, including tickets to the Big Fun Museum - great for kids of all ages. Discover the Gothic quarter and Roman Ruins with amazing stories of the past, and see some of the city's dazzling architecture by Antonio Gaudi as you explore with your family-friendly private guide.

On your private walking tour, you will:

  • Begin your tour at the lively Portal de l'Àngel and walk along the charming old street of Carrer de Petritxol, filled with old shop fronts and enticing smells of churros;
  • Wander through the beautiful, winding cobbled streets of the Barri Gotic, learning all its secrets and surprises;
  • Hear about the Roman origins of the Old Town, and see the remains of the ancient Roman city walls - that once had 78 towers at 60 feet tall
  • Marvel at the amazing Barcelona Cathedral with its incredible gothic spire, statues of gargoyles and other mythic creatures;
  • Walk into the Plaça del Rei - the King's Square - an imposing series of medieval buildings - each with a story to tell...;
  • Stop at Plaça de Sant Jaume in the centre of the Gothic Quarter, with its glorious buildings and learn all about the politics and political leaders of Barcelona;
  • Wander to Bishop's Bridge, one of the most photographed spots in the city, and walk underneath it making a wish on the dagger and skull and cross bones - or have bad luck forever!; 
  • Pass by the Basilica Santa Maria del Pi which was built in the 1300s; 
  • Stroll into the elegant Plaza Reial, with its fountains and palm trees, and vibrant atmosphere; 
  • Wander down the most famous street of Barcelona, La Rambla, where you will be able to see an eccentric building by Antonio Gaudi - the Güell Palace, and see if you can spot the stone trees on the rooftop;
  • See the large, circular, and brightly coloured mosaic by Miró in La Rambla;
  • Explore the buzzing, brash and brilliant La Boqueria market, a popular destination for tourists and locals;
  • End your tour at the Big Fun Museum, for a quirky series of adventures and exciting activities for kids! 


On this family-friendly tour, you'll be taken on an unforgettable journey through Barcelona's prettiest area, the iconic Gothic Quarter also known as Barri Gòtic. With its charming, winding, cobbled streets, medieval yet vibrant atmosphere, markets, artisanal shops, and amazing gothic architecture - there are so many things to see and secrets to discover!

From the ruins of the Roman walls and gothic splendour of the cathedrals to the eccentric buildings by Gaudi, colourful mosaic by Miro, and vibrant streets and markets, your family-friendly guide will make the tour really engaging for your children - with quizzes, guessing games, interesting stories, and fun activities.

You'll see all the most iconic sites of the Gothic Quarter, including the Cathedral with its amazing gargoyles on the rooftop and the imposing Placa del Rei. Enjoy wandering along Barcelona's iconic La Rambla - famous for its flower stalls and street food vendors; you'll see the leather and jewellery artisan shops and boutiques, and soak up the fun and buzzy atmosphere of the elegant Plaza Reial with delightful fountains and elegant palm trees.

As you stroll towards La Boqueria, you will also see the legendary Dancing Giants on display. The Dancing Giants are wearable puppets and the traditional dances wearing these massive costumes are a highlight of the parades on Catholic feast days in Barcelona!

At the end of your tour, your guide will leave you with entrance tickets to the amazing Big Fun Museum - where you will discover a magical world, like stepping through the Looking Glass and into Wonderland... including an upside-down house!  

Barcelona from Above: Private Driving Tour of the City’s Best Views

Discover several incredible panoramic views over the city of Barcelona on this half-day private driving tour around the city's most amazing viewpoints, with tickets to the amazing Glòries Tower skyscraper included.

On your private tour, you will:

  • Enjoy hotel pick-up with a private driver and expert private guide throughout the duration of your 4-hour tour;
  • Relax and enjoy a scenic drive around Barcelona, and to the best panoramic viewing points of the city;
  • Enjoy your guide's knowledgeable commentary about Barcelona en route; 
  • Arrive at Carmel Bunkers for an amazing 360° view of Barcelona - one of the best views in all of Europe;
  • Learn about the area, which was never a bunker, but the place where anti-aircraft guns were installed during the Spanish Civil War - locals have kept this incredible viewing point secret for years;
  • Gaze out to the horizon and the ocean beyond, and you'll see the vast architectural marvel of Gaudi’s famous La Sagrada Familia rising high above the rooftops of the city;
  • Continue the tour, driving to the top of Tibidabo, the highest peak of the capital, for more jaw-dropping views;
  • See Tibidabo Church (from the outside) - a spectacular mountaintop temple;
  • Enjoy the incredibly scenic drive down the mountain towards your last stop;
  • Your last stop is the magical Montjuïc Hill from where you can see Barcelona from every angle, including its Port;
  • Return to the city centre and finish your tour with tickets included to the Glòries Tower Observation Deck!
  • Visit Hyperview Barcelona and the interactive artwork 'Cloud Cities Barcelona', by artist Tomás Saraceno.


Discover some of the most astounding panoramic views high above Barcelona, kept secret by the locals, on this fabulous private driving tour to the very best viewing points over this stunning city! Your private guide will meet you at your hotel, and whisk you off in search of some of the finest panoramic views, not just of Barcelona but all of Europe!

Enjoy a relaxing and thoroughly scenic drive out of the city centre, during which time your guide will share lots of fascinating history and stories of Barcelona with you as you head up the hill, towards your first stop: the Carmel Bunkers. Rather than bunkers, this place was used during the Spanish Civil War to store firearms - specifically anti-aircraft weapons.

Afterwards, the area became a shanty town; the residents were rehoused during the Olympic Games in 1992 and today the site is still a well-kept secret by the locals and provides a breathtaking view over Barcelona - with the city and her grand monuments stretched out beneath you.

Next drive to Tibidabo, which at 512 meters it is the highest hill overlooking Barcelona. It rises sharply in the northwest and enjoys panoramic views of both the city and the coastline. Perched on the summit is the astonishingly beautiful Sagrat Cor Church (Sacred Heart), which was begun in 1902 and completed 60 years later. It is a vast neo-gothic church with a massive statue of the sacred heart of Jesus on top: a truly spectacular sight to behold.

Then drive to beautiful Montjuic - the most famous hill in Barcelona, filled with pavillions, temples, palaces, parks, botanical gardens, and other monuments from when Barcelona hosted the World's Fair in 1920. It literally means Jewish Mountain, named for the medieval Jewish cemetery there, and has glorious views over the city.

For years it was an important defence outpost of the city, with a wooded valley and fort. Today, there are many castles and museums to see and admire on Montjuic, including the Magic Fountain - and of course wonderful views over the city!

Then it's time to drive back into the city where you will be dropped off at the Glòries Tower where your guide will give you your tickets and guide you to the entrance. Then you have free time to head up to the Observation Deck of this grand glass skyscraper - with, yes, some of the greatest views over the city!  

 Please note:
- This tour runs rain or shine, and on a rainy day, the visibility of the city skyline might be affected. Your guide will be happy to change the stops to offer the best experience.
- Access to the Carmel Bunkers implies a walking part to get to the top of the hill from the parking area.

The Gothic Quarter: Private Half-Day Tour with Barcelona Cathedral
Explore Barcelona's iconic Ramblas and the historic Gothic Quarter filled with spectacular architecture in gothic style, including the remains of the Roman-era city walls, many medieval landmarks and Barcelona Cathedral, famous for its statues of gargoyles and other mythic creatures. Uncover the rich history of the gothic centre of Barcelona, which has developed since the Roman period to become the thriving capital of Catalonia that it is today.

 On your private half-day tour, you will: 

  • Explore the Gothic Quarter (El Barri Gòtic in Catalonian), one of the most exciting parts of the city as it’s home to some of Barcelona’s most famous attractions;
  • Take a stroll down the world-famous La Rambla promenade
  • See the remains of the ancient Roman city walls that rose up to a full 60 feet and boasted 78 towers;
  • Learn about the stories behind Barcelona landmarks and their long history;
  • Try your luck at haggling in La Boquería marketplace, and see where locals shop for their produce and meats;
  • Visit Placa Reial,  a vibrant and beautiful square in the heart of the city, with Gaudi-designed lampposts and an incredible fountain that draws in locals and visitors alike;
  • Walk through the Jewish Quarter of Barcelona, a small but vibrant district with several synagogues and other religious sights that honour the important role of Jewish merchants in medieval Barcelona;
  • Discover sleepy churchyards, medieval alleyways and crumbling Gothic Palaces;
  • Learn about the Roman beginnings of the Old Town, and see remnants of this lost past;
  • Finish your tour with a guided visit to the majestic Barcelona Cathedral and its famous rooftop filled with gargoyles and mythical creatures.

The Gothic Quarter – also known as Barri Gòtic, is the area that stretches from La Rambla to Via Laietana, and from the Mediterranean seafront to Ronda de Sant Pere and is the centre of the old city of Barcelona. It is known as the Gothic Quarter, as it used to be the location of a Roman village and some of the remnants still remain. 

You will visit the Jewish Quarter, known as the Call, a collection of streets in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter that were established by a group of Jewish merchants in the 13th century. This section of the area was established because this group of people weren’t welcome anywhere else on the main land along with everyone else, they built their own space to live, build churches or synagogues and freely practice any religion they wanted in peace.

Your tour will end with entrance tickets and a guided tour of Barcelona Cathedral.  The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia is a gorgeous Gothic cathedral in the old centre of the bustling Catalan city; it is also the seat of the Archbishop of Spain. 

Construction of the Cathedral began at the end of the 13th century during the reign of King James II of Aragon and took around 150 years to complete. While the structure and internal decoration of the Cathedral were completed by the 15th century, its neo-Gothic façade was added at the end of the 19th century, covering the rather plain original exterior; the roof (which your tickets give you access to) was also adorned with an impressive range of gargoyles. 

Enjoy this masterpiece as the capstone to your highlights tour!
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