Façade of the Cathedral of Santa Eulalia in Barcelona

Interesting facts you should know about Barcelona Cathedral

As well as the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia, Barcelona has a Cathedral among its narrow streets. Arriving at the Gothic Quarter is like travelling back in time. If you leave the Ramblas behind, you’ll reach the heart of the city by wandering through the winding streets. There are still ruins of the ancient Barcino (the Roman name for Barcelona), symbols of the Jewish Quarter, and the old haunts of the bohemian artists of the Art Nouveau era. Without a doubt, it’s one of the most beautiful areas and the cathedral of Barcelona is at its centre. Despite being one of the most iconic buildings in Spain, it still has some secrets to reveal.

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Do you fancy discovering some interesting facts about Barcelona Cathedral?- Its official name is the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, one of the patron saints of Barcelona, but everyone calls it Barcelona Cathedral.- Building began over 720 years ago on the site of a Romanesque church, which had originally been an early Christian basilica. Archaeological finds from the site can now be seen in the Barcelona History Museum.- The façade and lantern of Barcelona Cathedral weren’t built until the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century. So its style is actually Gothic Revival.

Interior of the Cathedral of Santa Eulalia in Barcelona

- In the cathedral garden and cloister live the 13 white geese of Saint Eulalie, one for every martyrdom she suffered (one for each year she lived).- Its 21 bells have women’s names. “Tomasa” is the biggest and rings on special occasions, whilst “Honorata” is the most revolutionary: it was melted down in 1717 because it rang during the uprisings against Philip V.If you want to see the miracle of a dancing egg, this is the place: in the Gothic cloister, the fountain of Sant Jordi is the star of the “l’ou com balla” on Corpus Christi, one of the most curious traditions in Barcelona.This is just an appetiser of all the history hidden in Barcelona cathedral. If you’re still hungry for more interesting facts, don’t hesitate to visit it.

Geese in the cloister of Barcelona Cathedral:

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