History, heritage, and heavenly views at Barcelona Cathedral.
Barcelona Cathedral Tickets
🎧 Entry Ticket with Audio Guide
Discover Barcelona Cathedral at your own pace. Explore the rooftop, cloister, and chapel with an audio guide that brings the stories and history to life.
Join a small group tour with a live guide and skip the long lines. Learn about the cathedral’s Gothic details and enjoy great city views from the terrace.
Benefits
Tickets and Prices
Here are Barcelona Cathedral’s ticket options:
Good to know
- Plans change? No problem, you can cancel anytime for a full refund.
- Book together and save up to 5%, perfect if you’re adding another fun experience.
Plan Your Visit
The cathedral is open daily, though specific areas may be closed or access limited during religious services or special events.
| Days | Opening Hours | Last Access |
|---|---|---|
| Weekdays | 09:30 – 18:30 | 17:45 |
| Saturdays & Religious Vigil Days | 09:30 – 17:15 | 16:30 |
| Sundays & Religious Holidays | 14:00 – 17:00 | 16:30 |
Tip:
For fewer crowds and a more relaxed visit, the best time to visit is first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon, just before closing.
Getting to Barcelona Cathedral is easy, thanks to its central location in the heart of the Gothic Quarter.
The main entrance faces Pla de la Seu, right opposite the small flea market area and Av. de la Catedral.
Barcelona Cathedral is accessible to visitors with limited mobility. Skip the front steps and glide through the adapted entrance on Carrer del Bisbe, which opens into the cloister. Most of the interior is smooth sailing, though a few chapels and the crypt have small steps.
There’s elevator access to the rooftop terrace. However, it still involves some stairs, so it’s best for those comfortable with light climbing. An accessible toilet with grab bars is available, and visitors with disabilities of 33% or more enjoy free admission.
Visitors are asked to dress modestly and behave respectfully during their visit to preserve the Cathedral’s sacred and historical atmosphere.
- Visitors must cover their shoulders and knees, so avoid sleeveless tops, shorts, or short skirts.
- No hats or headwear are allowed, unless for religious or medical reasons.
- Avoid offensive clothing with political, religious, or inappropriate graphics.
- Be respectful and avoid running, shouting, or forming crowds.
- No eating, drinking, or smoking allowed.
- Switch devices to silent mode before entering.
- Photography is allowed, as long as your flash is off.
- Large bags and suitcases are not permitted inside.
What to See & Do
From peaceful cloisters to panoramic rooftops, every corner of Barcelona Cathedral tells a story of the city’s Gothic heart.
The Cathedral Floor and Cloister
Oktober64/DepositphotosBegin visiting the serene Gothic cloister, built in the 14th and 15th centuries. As you walk beneath the graceful arches and admire the sculpted pillars, you’ll find chapels once dedicated to local guilds and families.
In the lush courtyard, palm and orange trees surround a fountain where the famous L’ou com balla (“the dancing egg”) tradition occurs during Corpus Christi. Don’t miss the 13 white geese that call this cloister home, one for each year of Saint Eulalia’s life.
The Rooftop Views
Take the elevator near the Chapel of the Innocent Saints to reach the rooftop, where you’re rewarded with sweeping views over Barcelona’s skyline. From here, spot the bell towers, flying buttresses, and the Holy Cross crowned by Saint Helena.
Fun fact: The rooftop is one of the best and lesser-known places to catch a sunset in the Gothic Quarter.
The Choir and the Order of the Golden Fleece
demerzel21/DepositphotosDon’t miss the intricately carved Gothic choir stalls inside the cathedral. Get up close, as each seat bears a knight’s crest from the Order of the Golden Fleece. They were painted in 1519 when Emperor Charles V gathered the order here. The impressive craftsmanship and gilded details reflect centuries of Catalan artistry and royal influence.
Tip: Look for the pulpit carved in 1403, as it’s a gem of medieval woodwork.
The Chapter Hall and Museum Treasures
Once a soup kitchen, the Chapter Hall now houses priceless artworks. Admire Jaume Huguet’s Guardian Angel and Bartolomé Bermejo’s moving Pietà of Canon Desplà, considered one of Spain’s finest Gothic paintings. Ancient relics like the Romanesque baptismal font and King Martin’s monstrance add even more historic depth.
Did you know? The Chapter Hall sits beneath the cloister and is often overlooked by visitors, making it a quiet must-see for art lovers.
Jewish Memory in the Cathedral
Step inside the Chapter Archive, where centuries of history are preserved through thousands of parchments and manuscripts. Among them are documents that tell the story of Barcelona’s medieval Jewish community, from property deeds to personal wills.
Inside the Old Archive, founded in 1535, visitors can see original Latin, Hebrew, and Catalan texts that bring these long-lost voices back to life.
The Saint Christ of Lepanto’s Chapel
The 15th-century Baroque chapel is both a current place of prayer and a site steeped in legend. Inside rests the wooden figure of the Christ of Lepanto, said to have miraculously bent during the 1571 Battle of Lepanto to avoid cannon fire. It was the Cathedral’s Chapterhouse until 1676, when Saint Olegarius was canonized, and it became his mausoleum. Beneath it lies his tomb.
Did You Know That? Facts
- Barcelona Cathedral is formally known as the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia.
- Thirteen white geese live in the cloister, representing Saint Eulalia’s age when she was martyred. Their honking is said to protect the Cathedral from intruders.
- Each year during Corpus Christi, locals celebrate L’ou com balla (“the dancing egg”), where an egg dances on the cloister’s water fountain.
- Construction took over 150 years, starting in 1298 and finishing in 1448, though the famous neo-Gothic facade wasn’t completed until the 19th century.
- The Cathedral’s 21 bells each have a name and personality of their own. The largest, “Tomasa,” dates back to 1579 and is affectionately known as the belfry “boss” for her deep, commanding tone.
Insider Tips
History
4th century
Early Christian basilica was established on the site of a Roman temple.
898
Saint Eulalia’s remains were moved to a crypt on the site, solidifying its status as a sacred location.
1298
Construction of the current Gothic Cathedral began under Bishop Jaume de Girona.
1398-1448
Major construction was completed, including the nave, choir, and cloister.
1454
Joan Claperós completed the Chapel of the Holy Sacrament’s central keystone.
1519
Juan de Borgoña painted commemorative shields for the Order of the Golden Fleece on the choir stalls.
19th century
The Neo-Gothic facade was completed, giving the Cathedral its current iconic exterior.
20th century
Restoration and conservation works preserved the Cathedral’s history for modern visitors.
FAQs
How long does a visit take?
One to two hours to explore the cloister, chapels, crypt, and rooftop.
Are there toilets?
Yes, and accessible toilets are also available.
What is the dress code?
Modest clothing is required, and shoulders and knees must be covered.
Is the cathedral wheelchair accessible?
Yes, via the adapted entrance on Carrer del Bisbe, though the rooftop and some chapels have steps.
Can I take photos?
Photography is allowed with no flash, and respect the services in progress.
Are tickets needed?
Yes, especially for rooftop access or special tours; booking online is recommended.
Is the cathedral open every day?
It’s open daily, but hours vary on weekends and religious holidays.
Are children allowed?
Yes, the cathedral is family-friendly, but children should always be supervised.