Architecture in Barcelona is among the most iconic in all of Europe. The historical significance comes from centuries ago by some of the most brilliant minds in Spain. The Catalan region is well known for its wondrous medieval and gothic buildings.
Architecture in Barcelona
Historic places like La Sagrada Familia and casa batilo were built by Antoni Gaudi. Sagrada familia is always near the top of the list when it comes to the most famous buildings in the world. Gaudi, a Catalonian himself, is very well known for his role in the construction of several buildings in Barcelona. He is also known for his influence on Park Guell.
Gaudi’s influence is still extremely prevalent today with his architecture drawing in millions of visitors each year. There is no telling what the state of Barcelona would be without him. Nevertheless, it is very easy to appreciate the historic architecture that Barcelona has to offer.
Gaudi lived during the late 19th to early 20th century, thus his influence was only over that time and beyond. Other architects like August Font and Josep Esplugas contributed to the Barcelona Cathedral which was built well before Gaudi’s time.
The influence of the Catalan people dates back hundreds of years. Other famous architects like Josep Puig and Carles Buigas contributed to the 19th and 20th century. Many of these people are remembered across the various history and art museums in Barcelona. Nevertheless, Gaudi is formidably the most famous architect in Catalan history
The city has its own Gothic quarter which is headlined by the Barcelona Cathedral. Constructed over the course of the 13th to the 15th century, the cathedral stands 93 meters tall in the center of the gothic quarter. It is surrounded by many other buildings that showcase a similar neo-gothic style. When visiting Barcelona, the gothic quarter is a must see.
Construction
The construction and development of the cathedral can be divided into three periods. The three phases took place on and off for roughly 150 years. In the first phase, planning for the project took place. In addition, the apse, radial and presbytery chapels were built. The second phase. Is. Where the three naves and lateral chapels were built and extended to the choir. Finally, the cathedral was finished with the construction of the basilica on the façade. The project was finished in 1448.
A visitor at the cathedral said that the Cathedral “Goes along with all the gothic buildings in the area” when asked how it compares to everything else in the gothic quarter.
The Barcelona cathedral perfectly embodies the many themes that go along with Catalan Gothic architecture. There are many secondary chapels opened in the cathedral. There are also a pair of chapels in each section of the Naves. These circle the entire church.
On Sundays, there is mass for anyone who wishes to arrive early enough to get in line. Kathy Milani has been to mass before and had this to say, “Depending on your religious perspective, the mass here is very interesting and is worth a try” (translated from Spanish).
A security guard at the cathedral said “It (the cathedral) is less famous than la Sagrada familia,
but I don’t think it’s less important” when asked to compare the two churches.
The high altar of the church gives access to the crypt where the tombs of several religious figures can be seen. The Façade and choir are sights that must be seen. Around the church there are a total of 140 different statues of saints.
The Cathedral is a truly remarkable feat that was finished before North America was even discovered. It can be difficult to grasp the effort that was put into this construction. It is 93 meters long and 40 meters wide.
Detail
The entirety of the Barcelona Cathedral was built with immense respect for the church. There are a variety of rooms, each with their own wonders of gothic architecture. Once one enters the main chapel, they are greeted by incredibly high ceilings and an overwhelming amount of detail. Visitors are then given a choice to walk around or go straight into an alter room. The room them opens back up into the rest of the main room where the pews are located.
Surrounding the main alter are many different sides alters. Each of the alters honors a different Saint or religious figure. Many of them have signs describing who they are. In some cases, the person is even buried there. Each of the side alters are unique in their own way.
(Galley-Scroll)
One room even gives access to the roof where visitors can get up close to the peak of the church. To appreciate the building, getting right next to the architecture on the roof is a must do.
Outside the main room, there is a pathway that leads to the Cloister of the cathedral. In the cloister there is a garden area that is home to 13 white geese. The geese represent the age of Saint Eulalia when she was martyred. The garden also contains a fountain.
History
The full name of the church is Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eualia. Saint Eualia of Barcelona was martyred in Barcelona hence her name. She appears in multiple pictures and depictions throughout the Cathedral. She is also buried in the crypt of the church.
When it comes to architecture in Barcelona, there are many stunning buildings that have history woven everywhere. Located in the center of the gothic quarter is the Barcelona Cathedral. It is one of the oldest large buildings in Spain. Without a doubt, the Cathedral is a must see for anyone who wanders into Barcelona.
Visiting
Tickets are only nine euros for adults and the price is seven for students. People under the age of eleven are also let in for free. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance here.
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