Barcelona’s most iconic churches

It doesn’t matter if you come to Barcelona for only one day or plan to stay for a week or more. One thing is sure: you will visit at least one of these nine most famous churches in Barcelona. These churches are a must-see in the city for their beauty, elegance, history, and religious significance.

In this blog, we have included some of the most important churches in Barcelona, as well as some beautiful monasteries and Cathedrals outside Barcelona, which you can visit on a day tour.

What are the differences between a church, a basilica, a cathedral, or a monastery…

• A basilica is a church that the Vatican recognizes for its antiquity or essential role in the Christian community.
• The Cathedral belongs to the bishop, who is responsible for the priests in a specific area.
• A Church is a religious temple used for public Christian worship. It englobes all of the above.
• A monastery is a building occupied by monks who live in a community under specific religious vows.

> Check this tour of Barcelona’s famous churches

Churches in Barcelona

1. The famous church of Gaudí (Sagrada Familia)
2. The Barcelona Gothic Cathedral (Santa Eulàlia)
3. The church from the Netflix show (Santa María del Mar)
4. The tiny chuch near «Las Ramblas» (Santa María del Pi)
5. The church on top of the Hills (Tibidabo)

Churches outside Barcelona

1. The Monastery nestled in the Holly Mountains (Abadía de Montserrat)
2. The Cathedral featured in Game of Thrones (The Cathedral of Girona)
3. The Cathedral and the Roman History in Spain (The Tarragona Cathedral)
4. A monastery in the middle of Nature (The Monastery of Poblet)
5. The monastery and its origins in the wine production (Monastery of Scaldei)

1. Sagrada Familia: the most famous church in Barcelona

• Book tickets well in advance!
• Opening hours: 11:00-17:15
• Entry fee: From 39,99€
• Get tickets on the official website.

The most famous church in Barcelona is Sagrada Familia, an unfinished basilica that started construction in 1882. Its popularity arose after Pope Benedict XVI inaugurated the church in 2010, following the completion of the Central Nave.

Sagrada Familia is famous for its monumentality and beauty. It was designed by Antoni Gaudí, a genius who lived in Barcelona during the 19th and 20th centuries. Gaudí made the city beautiful, thanks to buildings like Casa Batlló and La Pedrera.

The construction was initiated in 1882 and remains unfinished due to its nearly impossible architecture. Gaudí knew he wouldn’t finish in his lifetime, so he concentrated on only one side. The Nativity side, the oldest entrance of the Sagrada Familia, was entirely designed and built under Gaudí’s supervision.

Gaudí was not the only architect.

Gaudí took over from Francisco de Paula, the first architect, who resigned one year after the project began. Of course, we are talking about a very different style —a neo-Gothic church that Gaudí used as the base for his temple.

That is why the church has distinct styles. At the back of Sagrada Familia, you can see the Neo-Gothic temple. You will recognize it by its pointed arches, typical of the Gothic style.

It will soon be the world’s tallest church.

Once it’s finished, the Tower of Jesus Christ will be the tallest in Barcelona, totaling 172 meters, making it the tallest church in the World. Gaudí chose this height not by mistake but because it is higher than the Ulm Minster church in Germany and lower than Montjuic, the mountain inside Barcelona.

The tower is expected to be finished in 2026 to commemorate Gaudí’s hundredth anniversary since his death. However, this doesn’t mean that the church will be completed, as we still lack the Glory side, the future main entrance of the church.

The symbolism behind the towers

• Four towers at each entrance make 12 towers dedicated to the 12 apostles (remember that we still need one entrance).
• The Jesus Christ Tower will be the tallest one, still being constructed today.
• The four towers surrounding Jesus’ tower are the four evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
• The Virgin Mary tower is blue and has a star on its top.

Sagrada Familia translated into numbers

• With 4.707.367 visitors in 2023, it is the most visited monument in Spain.
• €126.9 million in revenue in 2023, with 52% of the funds allocated to construction and 26% to Temple management.
• 2026 is thought to be finished with the central tower.
• The total height will be 172 meters upon completion.

> More about Sagrada Familia in this blog.

2. The Cathedral of Barcelona

• Opening hours: 9:30 – 18:30
• Entry Fee: from 14€
• See the service schedules here.
• Get tickets on the official site.

The only actual cathedral in Barcelona is located in the Gothic Quarter, near the Barcelona Town Hall. This Gothic temple began construction in the late 13th century and was completed in the 15th century. Although the façade is much more recent, completed only in the 1900s

Watch out, a neo-Gothic façade is fooling you!

Although the temple was originally Gothic, the façade was finished in the 1900s. The reason is that the temple’s exterior was very sober, making it less appealing to visitors than other European churches, such as Notre Dame de Paris.

That is why, in the late XIXth century, coinciding with the 1888 Universal Exposition, the City Council decided to change its outside look—changing its Catalan Gothic Façade to a more European one, similar to other churches in France.

A Gothic cloister and 13 geese

The cloister of the Cathedral is a beautiful Gothic patio located in the heart of Barcelona. It is a place where one can meditate and contemplate the 13 geese, which are in honor of Santa Eulalia’s age when the Romans presumably murdered her in the third century AD.

Saint Eulalia, the Patron Saint of Barcelona

The church is dedicated to Saint Eulalia, the Patron Saint of Barcelona. She is a girl who is thought to have lived in Barcino (the old name for Barcelona) in the third century AD. It’s believed that Santa Eulalia lost her life at only 13 years old for defending the Christian vows, although this was punished by death in the Roman Empire of Diocletian.

3. The Cathedral of the Sea in Barcelona

Although it is a Basilica and not a Cathedral, the name gained popularity after the book «The Cathedral of the Sea» by Ildefonso Falcones, which is now also a Netflix show. It was built in record time, from 1329 to 1383. Making it one of the fastest Gothic churches ever built. Thanks to the efforts of the guilds in the Born neighborhood. That is the main reason why the whole church respects a unique style, the Catalan Gothic style. It is known for being austere from the outside yet rich and spacious indoors, all thanks to the single nave structure.

The people’s church

It is known as the church built by the people for the people. The guilds living in the Born neighborhood finance it, and it has a strong relationship with the area’s community. Especially those who carried the stones from the Quarry in Montjuic, for whom we have a memorial at the church’s main entrance. Try to find the two bronze sculptures at the door.

The FC Barcelona shield on a window

If you look carefully, you can see FC Barcelona’s Shield in one of the windows. This is an homage to the club for its efforts in restoring the church’s windows, which were severely damaged during the Spanish Civil War and the anarchist revolt of 1936.

4. The church of Santa Maria del Pi

Another beautiful church in the Gothic Quarter is the Basilica of Santa Maria del Pi (Saint Mary of the Pine Tree in English). The name originates from a legend: Two woodchoppers from the Middle Ages saw the image of the Virgin Mary in a pine tree.

The highlights include the rose window, one of the largest in the world, and the central nave, which is supported only by its buttresses. They are an absolute delight to see and represent the magnificence of Catalan Gothic very well. The inside is surprisingly rich and spacious, contrasting with the outside, which is much more sober and compact.

5. The church on top of Tibidabo Hills

Tibidabo means in Latin, «Ti (I) vi (you) dabo (will give)», or «I will give you». The name of the mountain that provides Fresh water to the city of «Barcino» (Barcelona) in old Roman times. And this mountain continues to offer us, not with fresh water, but with fresh air. As Tibidabo is part of a natural park in the heart of the metropolis, it offers a natural landscape where we can wander with family and friends.

On top of the hill sits the Church of Tibidabo, overlooking the Sea, and next to the Church, the Tibidabo Theme Park—two iconic places for every inhabitant in Barcelona. As a Barcelonian, I have sweet memories of going to the park of Tibidabo as a kid. Both the Theme Park and the Church were built in a similar moment, the early 20th Century, allowing the people of Barcelona to admire the beauty of their mountain. Riding the funicular of Tibidabo is a nice way to get to the park.

6. The Monastery of Montserrat

The Basilica of Montserrat, nestled amidst the stunning Montserrat mountain range in Catalonia, is a revered pilgrimage site and architectural marvel. Its dramatic location and spiritual significance draw visitors from around the world. It’s one of the few active monasteries in Catalonia, home to around 60 Benedictine monks. Every year, 3 million people visit this monastery to admire its beauty.

Montserrat Abbey is a beautiful church of neo-Baroque style, rebuilt after the Napoleonic Wars in the 19th century. It has a lovely sculpture dedicated to Jesus Christ, done by Josep. M. Subirachs is the same artist who decorated the Passion side in Sagrada Familia.

The boys’ choir

It is the oldest boys’ choir in Europe. Founded in the 14th century, it has around 50 children between the ages of 10 and 12. Selection is based on skills such as voice, school performance, and social adaptation. They sing daily from Monday to Friday at 1 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. (tickets required). Information and tickets are here.

The black Madonna

One of the main attractions in Montserrat is worshipping the Black Madonna, which draws many visitors and pilgrims throughout the year. The varnishes and incense changed the color of the beech wood.

> Half-day private tour to Montserrat.

7. Girona’s Cathedral

In the heart of Girona’s historic quarter, the Girona Cathedral has an imposing façade that captivates visitors. Its Catalan Gothic style is unique worldwide, with a massive central nave, marked only by its buttresses. Making it the most significant Gothic church without pillars in Europe. This gives a sense of space like no other church in the world. It is a true marvel that you can visit by train or car, as Girona is easily accessible from Barcelona.

Immortalized in the Game of Thrones show

In the popular TV series Game of Thrones, the Girona Cathedral was filmed for several key scenes. One of the most memorable scenes features the cathedral in the sixth season, serving as the backdrop for the dramatic chase sequence between Arya Stark and the Waif.

During this scene, Arya is seen fleeing through the streets of Braavos with the Waif in pursuit. The chase culminates in Arya ascending the iconic staircase, where she eventually evades her pursuer by jumping off a ledge into the narrow streets below.

The Creation Tapestry

One of the highlights of the Tapestry Museum is the Creation Tapestry, a magnificent textile masterpiece depicting scenes from the Book of Genesis. This intricate work of art is renowned for its vibrant colors and detailed craftsmanship.

8. Tarragona’s Cathedral

Tarragona Cathedral is another interesting site to visit if you spend a week or more in Barcelona. It has a rich history dating back to the Romans and a beautiful church with much to tell. Unlike the other Gothic churches, this one is not in the Catalan Gothic style and is more similar to other Castilian churches. This is because it has massive pillars and walls that give a sense of monumentality.

The Cathedral Cloister

The cathedral’s cloisters provide a tranquil sanctuary, offering respite from the bustling city streets. Here, visitors can admire the intricate carvings adorning the columns and contemplate the centuries of history imbued within the cathedral’s walls.

The Cathedral façade

The façade features different figures side by side of the main entrance. These include the 12 apostles and some other biblical characters. On top of the door, there is an image of Saint Paul in the final judgment.

Above the right door of the Tarragona Cathedral’s façade is a notable relic known as the «Bethesda Sarcophagus.» This ancient marble sarcophagus, dating back to around 400 AD, is displayed as a decorative element on the cathedral’s exterior. It is adorned with intricate carvings depicting biblical scenes.

9. The Monastery of Poblet

The Monastery of Poblet is located approximately 100 kilometers southwest of Barcelona, in the province of Tarragona. Founded in the 12th century, this majestic monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s most significant Cistercian monasteries.

It remains an active monastery where Cistercian monks continue to live, work, and pray according to the traditions established centuries ago. Visitors can explore the monastery’s tranquil gardens, stroll through the cloisters, and observe the monks’ daily routines, gaining insight into the contemplative life that the Cistercian order embodies.

The Monastery church

The impressive church is at the heart of the monastery, where echoes of Gregorian chants still resonate during religious services. The church’s ornate altarpiece and magnificent stained glass windows imbue the sacred space with a sense of divine splendor, inviting worshippers to contemplate the mysteries of faith.

Its historic value

The monastery’s history is closely tied to that of the Catalan kings, who chose Poblet as their final resting place. The Royal Pantheon, located within the monastery grounds, houses the tombs of several monarchs, including King James I of Aragon.

10. The Monastery of Scaladei

This is probably the least known church on the list. It was abandoned for two centuries until the Catalan Government started restoring it. Today, it is a quiet place nestled by the majestic Montsant mountains in Tarragona.

Its value lies in its history, as it was the first Charterhouse in Spain. Thanks to its wine production, the monastery was significant for the region. It gave its name to one of Spain’s most famous wine regions: the Priorat region.

The winery near the Monastery

Only 1 km from the Monastery is a significant winery: the Scaladei Winery. It has the same name because it was traditionally used to be the Monastery’s winery. Today, it produces award-winning wines that are exported worldwide. You can have a wine-tasting tour of the winery here.