he antithesis of Gaudí’s La Sagrada Familia, the modest ancient church and monastery of Sant Pau del Camp (St. Paul of the Fields) is one of the most serene and most moving religious spaces in Barcelona. According to his gravestone, which was unearthed in 1596, the monastery was founded between 897 and 911 by Guifré Borrell, then count of Barcelona (and son of Wilfred the Hairy). The church was sacked by Al-Mansur’s Moorish troops in 985, but the whole complex was rebuilt during the 13th century—the period of the charming cloister and its stone capitals carved with Biblical tales. Centuries of erosion have not dimmed Eve’s sudden embarrassment about her nakedness or the ferocity of the reptilian devil being skewered by archangel Michael. The intimate piety of the church and its small altar are striking. A side chapel holds a beautiful polychrome Gothic statue of María del Deu, as well as the founder’s gravestone. The posted opening hours schedule should not be taken literally.
Barcelona
Travel Guide
Barcelona› Attraction
Sant Pau del Camp
Carrer Sant Pau, 101
Our Rating
Hours
Mon–Sat 10am–6pm. Masses Sat 8pm, Sun noon.
Transportation
Metro: Paral.lel
Phone
93-441-00-01
Prices
Admission 5€ adults, 4€ students and seniors
Map
Carrer Sant Pau, 101 BarcelonaNote: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.