Catedral de Barcelona

Barcelona's cathedral is a celebrated example of Catalan Gothic architecture. Its spires can be seen from almost anywhere in the Barri Gòtic, and the large square upon which it resides, the Plaça de la Seu, is one of the neighborhood's main thoroughfares. The elevated site has always been Barcelona's center of worship: Before the present cathedral there was a Roman temple and later a mosque. Construction of the cathedral began at the end of the 13th century, under the reign of Jaume II. On the exterior of its southern transept, on the Plaça de Sant Lu, there is a portal commemorating the beginning of the work. The bishops of the time ordered a wide, single nave; 28 side chapels; and an apse with an ambulatory behind a high altar. Work was finally completed in the mid-15th century (although the west facade dates from the 19th century). The nave, cleaned and illuminated, has some splendid Gothic details.

With its large bell towers, blending of medieval and Renaissance styles, high altar, side chapels, handsomely sculptured choir, and Gothic arches, this ranks as one of the most impressive cathedrals in Spain. The most interesting chapel is the Cappella de Sant Benet, behind the altar, with its magnificent 15th-century interpretation of the crucifixion by Bernat Martorell. It is the cloister, however, that enthralls most visitors. Consisting of vaulted galleries enhanced by forged iron grilles, it is filled with orange, medlar, and palm trees; features a mossy central pond and fountain; and is (inexplicably) home to a gaggle of white geese. Underneath the well-worn slabs of its stone floor, key members of the Barri Gòtic's ancient guilds are buried. The historian Cirici called this "the loveliest oasis in Barcelona." On its northern side, the cathedral's chapter house houses the museum, where the highlight is the 15th-century La Pietat of Bartolomé Bermejo. Another pocket of the cathedral that is worth seeking out is the alabaster sarcophagus of Santa Eulàlia, the co-patroness of the city. The martyr, allegedly the virgin daughter of a well-to-do Barcelona family, was burned at the stake by the Roman governor for refusing to renounce her Christian beliefs. Take an elevator to the roof, where you get a wonderful view of Gothic Barcelona, but only Monday through Saturday. At noon on Sunday, you can see the sardana, a Catalonian folk dance, performed in front of the cathedral.

How the Egg Dances -- During the feast of Corpus Christi in June, a uniquely Catalan tradition can be seen in the cathedral's cloister. L'ou com balla (the egg that dances) consists of an empty eggshell placed on top of the fountain's spurts of water and left to "dance." Its origins go back to 1637, although its significance is disputed. Some say that the egg simply represents spring and the beginning of a new life cycle, others that its form represents the Eucharist.

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