Source: Enrique López-Tamayo Biosca
The Celebrated Metropolitan Cathedral de Barcelona is a typical depiction of Catalan grotesque architecture dating as back as the 1400s. It’s also acquainted with many as a La Seu, a name that has quite a reputation for itself. Its mesmerizing spires are clearly visible throughout the Gothic quarter of Barcelona. Upon visiting, you will automatically become part of the church and the list below, will give you a clear insight of what the Barcelona Cathedral is all about.
1. Its Architectural Design
Source: Jocelyn Kinghorn
Information
- Name: Cathedral de Barcelona
- Address: Pla de la Seu, s/n, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
- Height: 295′
- Website: http://www.catedralbcn.org/
2. Its History
Source: Enrique López-Tamayo Bio
Here comes another point of interest when it comes to magnificent Barcelona Cathedral; it’s touchy history. First, it’s apparent that Christianity did find its way to the Barcelona city so long ago. This hypothesis can be supported by the thrilling martyrdoms of celebrates Saints (Cucuphas and Eulalia) over the Diocletianic Persecution back in the late 300s or early 400s. Astonishing right? However until 343, there existed no vouched-for records of the religious formation of our dear dioceses. The credits to this can be attributed to Barcelona’s Bishop Praetextatus along with other five Hispania bishops who curtained their presence at the Council of Sardica called forth for ratification of the provisions set afloat in the Nicea Ecumenical Council back in 325. We could rave about the alluring history all day long and still leave quite many facts unmasked, hence let’s embark on the organ of the Cathedral.
3. The Organ
Source: Enrique López-Tamayo Bios
When it comes to Cathedral de Barcelona, the organ constitutes the Divine Office’s reading and the Eucharistic celebrations. Frankly speaking, the organ of the cathedral sits at the epicenter of its art, ritualistic as well as historical significance. Just over the exquisite door of Saint Ivo in the upper gallery, and beneath the bell tower, sits the organ inside the nave. Its construction took place in a span of two years from 1957 to 1959. To spice things up, ‘the Greek’ (Pedro Pablo Serafín) decorated the windchest covers with grisailles. On exhibition at the church of Saint Severus hall are the main organ’s covers. Repair and restoration of the organ were done between 1985 and 1994. The present organists at the cathedral are Òscar García López, Josep M. Escalona i Canyet, and Josep M. Nogués Rodés.
4. The Archives
Source: Enrique López-Tamayo Biosca
The Cathedral’s meeting place (the Chapterhouse) archives are set above 2 naves of the Cloister. They are ever accessible to anyone who has a hearty interest in research. So as to pave your way to the archives, you have to make your entrance via the chapel of Saint Lucia. Protection of the 500s-800s papyruses, almost 200 codices, and multitudes of incunables, forty thousand parchments and large volumes of documents is ensured by this vital center. Why wouldn’t flaunt about that?
5. Saints
Source: Gavin Anderson
As statistics has it, the number exceed 140 in totality. Awesomely-presented among the beautiful images remains to be the Virgin Mary, with Saint Eulalia in the second position and the Archangels Saint Michael as well as Saint Gabriel closely following suit. Recent additions have been made, and a beautiful monument to the famous Saint Josep Manyanet on the sacred altar to the Virgin of Pillar happens to be one of them. Others comprise; sculptures of beatus Josep Tous and beatus Pere Tarrés as well as a group of hilarious sculptures devoted to the poor, pious victims of religious persecution in the various chapels of the Cloister from 1936-1939.
6. Traditions
These come in plenty at Cathedral de Barcelona. The geese for instance; and quite a lot can be said about it. Upon getting to the cloister, you’ll find a pond (with a fountain) with thirteen white geese beautifying the scenic view. As per traditions, the geese are believed to be representing the age of Saint Eulalia once she got martyred. Blessing of the District is another good tradition here. At precisely 9 Am of every 3rd of May, the Barcelona municipal district is blessed right from the high-up rooftops of the ancient cathedral. This happens on the ‘Day of the Holy Cross’, an occasion from which the cathedral is named. Sweet enough, it’s open to anyone who feels like being a part of it. The list of traditions goes on from Corpus Christi, The famous Dancing Egg, Saint Lucia, and Saint Lucia Fair to Saint Rita.
7. The Church of Saint Severus
What’s a trip to this Catalonia City if you won’t pay the Saint Severus Church a visit? It’s right at the center of the Gothic vicinity of the top-rated city, adjacent to the Cathedral de Barcelona and the time-honored Catalonia seat of the Autonomous Government. It is a classical representation of flamboyant architecture in Catalonia province. Joan Fiter and Jaume Arnaudies constructed this beautiful piece between the years 1698-1705. It comprises just one nave, a polygonal apse as well as lateral chapels. Escarabatxeres (Jerónimo) did sculpt the façade. Of sheer interest about the church is the altarpiece (high) designed by the calibrated artist Pedro Costa around 1754. Artist Viladomat as well did an important job in creating the painting that flank the high altarpiece and which depict architectural aspects and elements.
8. Visiting
Source: Vernon Chan
Would your tour be complete without knowing about the visiting schedule, the navigation route, and such like particulars? I bet otherwise. An insight of how to, and where to, would come in handy. Thus a map is ever to your disposal showing each and every bit of the entire premises from High Alter, through the Crypt of Saint Eulalia, all the way to the Façade. A 360 degrees panoramic view map is availed for your aid so as to make the entire escapade painless and super-enjoyable.
9. The Timetable
Source: Enrique López-Tamayo Bio
Well, now you know your way around the cathedral; what’s next? When to be an esteemed guest of course. There is a well-organized schedule of the visiting hours; for weekdays, there is a free-for-all entry from 8 Am to 12:45 PM to the Cloister and an entry with a donation as from 1 PM to 5:30 PM. Free entry to the Cloister again resumes from quarter to six to 7:30 in the evening. For Saturdays and festive vigil, the visiting hours are the same except that in the free entry hours of the night, the time extends to 8 PM, but the Cloister closes at 7 PM still. Sundays and holidays it’s a special case for Entrada gratuïta
, Entrada amb donatiu and Entrada gratuïta.
10. Masses, Confessions, and Services for the Faithful
Source: Enrique López-Tamayo Bios
This tends to be another vital factor for many believers. Thus, a particular pre-set plan is as well in place for these special provisions. As for the masses (in the special chapel of the Holy Sacrament to be exact), the hours are at 9 AM, 10 AM, 11 AM (all Catalan), 12 Noon and 7 PM (Spanish). For Sundays and holidays, masses are at the high alter 9 AM (Catalan), 10:30 AM (Conventual in Catalan), 12 Noon, 1 PM, 6 PM and 7 PM (Spanish and Catalan). For Saturdays and holiday eves, it goes down in the chapel of Holy Sacrament and later in the day, at the High Altar. Confessions, Liturgy of hours, Acts of piety as well as services for the faithful are well covered at the Cathedral de Barcelona.
11. Guided Tours
Source: Aditya Karnad
You don’t have to struggle and get stuck here and there when you get to this must-visit place. Why miss out on facts that would otherwise have been made clear to you quite quickly? Via the Diocesan Museum of Barcelona, guided tours can the splendidly organized. The only day that this adventure happens not to be there is on Monday but as for all the other days of the week, you simply have to place a phone, and everything will fall into place.
12. Shop (Shopping)
You certainly don’t have to come out of the Cathedral empty handed. Is there any other lavishing way to sum up the vast experience than to grab yourself a souvenir from the cathedral? An array of mind-blowing selection of select products awaits you at the Cathedrals Gift shop. Items up for purchases have already been carefully sorted and chosen on the merit of their absolute uniqueness and rare quality. So, come loaded my dear.
13. The Art
Source: SBA73
This is another aspect that we would never dare miss out at all costs. After all, what colors and shapes our lives better than art? Every great act, every unforgettable saint, every high sculpture, and even every service is an accurate depiction of art at Cathedral de Barcelona. There is even some art in the music sang by the choir and congregation as a whole. Visitors and guests themselves tend to be part and parcel of this art and in the process of their tour, usually do enjoy the great artworks in the different corners of the Cathedral.
14. Publications
Source: Enrique López-Tamayo Bio
Books that you probably have just heard one or two whispers about are present at this great cathedral. They so many to mention but the top pics include the La Cathedral de Barcelona, Sant Pere Nolasc i la Catedral de Barcelona and Música de la Catedral de Barcelona a la Biblioteca de Catalunya just to mention a few. Other handy publications constitute the marvelous postals and opuscles.
15. Presence of an Elevator
Source: Enrique López-Tamayo Biosca
As much as we may deem ourselves as adventurers, making our way to the rooftop where most of the fun is, is no doubt a big hustle. And thanks to the advent of technology, an elevator will perform just the task for you. Not to mention, it would reduce the time needed for the job quite much. All you have to do is just plan your trip to the premises, prepare yourself for surprises (lots at that) and dash to this ever-available elevator.
Have a good trip and travel!
