The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia (co-patron Saint of Barcelona) serves as the "seat" for the archbishop of the city. The current cathedral, built in 1298, sits on top of the 4th century Cathedral of the Holy Cross. We have seen some beautiful churches in our travels, and we have to say that this one ranks right up with the best of them. There are private chapels galore lining both sides of the church...and even lining the cloister. One of the unusual highlights is the "Well of Geese", which makes up part of this loggia. Here, 13 geese, representing the age at which Saint Eulalia was martyred, roam in their own little area.
While I am not a fan of heights, a trip to the roof to see the impressive gargoyles there, as well as the spectacular view of the city, makes it a worthwhile endeavor. You have to look for the access point (an elavator) though, because it is tucked away next to a small chapel. This building is the centerpiece of the "old city" of Barcelona. As you pass along the outside wall of the Cathedral, you will go under the "Arch of Bisbe" - the entrance point to the Gothic Quarter. As impressive a piece of architecture as this is, don't miss the equally impressive carvings on the underside, especially the skull with a knife through it. Legend has it that if you close your eyes as you pass under the arch and make a wish, when you open them, if the first thing you see is the skull, your wish will be granted.
While I am not a fan of heights, a trip to the roof to see the impressive gargoyles there, as well as the spectacular view of the city, makes it a worthwhile endeavor. You have to look for the access point (an elavator) though, because it is tucked away next to a small chapel. This building is the centerpiece of the "old city" of Barcelona. As you pass along the outside wall of the Cathedral, you will go under the "Arch of Bisbe" - the entrance point to the Gothic Quarter. As impressive a piece of architecture as this is, don't miss the equally impressive carvings on the underside, especially the skull with a knife through it. Legend has it that if you close your eyes as you pass under the arch and make a wish, when you open them, if the first thing you see is the skull, your wish will be granted.
The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia.
Looking down the center aisle towards the main altar.
A closer view of the main altar...
...with the crypt of Saint Eulalia just below it.
This chapel contains the 1407 Crucifiction of Christ over the tomb of Saint Olegarius.
Tomb of Saint Raymond of Penafort.
We just could not believe the elegant wood carvings of the choir area.
The "Well of Geese" area within the cloister....
...and the rest of the cloister
On the roof. Do you see my knees knocking?
Around the corner from the main entrance to the Cathedral is the "Arch of Bisbe." This serves as the entrance to the Gothic Quarter.
...And the equally impressive carvings on the underside of the arch. See if you can spot the skull with the life through it.
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