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10 Churches & Cathedrals in Catalonia That You Shouldn't Miss
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1. Basilica of the Sagrada Familia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 163,734 reviews
The Basilica of the Sagrada Familia is a monumental church devoted to the Holy Family: Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Construction began in 1882, based on plans drawn up by the architect Francisco de Paula del Villar, and Antoni Gaudi was commissioned to continue the project in 1883. The Temple has always been an expiatory church, built only from donations. As Gaudi said: "The Expiatory Church of the Sagrada Familia is made by the people and is mirrored in them. It is a work that is in the hands of God and the will of the people." In 2010, Pope Benedict XVI consecrated the site as a minor basilica
Reviewed By Lifetoexplore59 - Denmead, United Kingdom
What a fantastic beautiful interesting work of art, I was in awe of the many many details, the amazing colours coming through from the stained glass windows just takes your breath away, a must absolutely visit.
2. Esglesia de Sant Feliu
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 429 reviews
Reviewed By Homfirth - Holmfirth, United Kingdom
Standing close to the Cathedral makes it easy to visit both Churches. The Church of Sant Feliu was the main Church of Girona before the construction of the Cathedral. It is noted for its eight Roman and early Christian sarcophagi of the 3rd and 4th centuries and the Gothic Tomb of Narcissus of Girona who traditionally was one of the early Bishops. It is much smaller than the Cathedral but nevertheless worth a visit and has a nice atmosphere and lovely stained-glass windows.
3. Esglesia de Sant Llop d'Hortsavinya
4. Catedral Basilica Metropolitana Primada de Tarragona
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,605 reviews
The cathedral is dedicated to St Thecla and is erected at the top of the acropolis or hill of the ancient city. Its construction began in the year 1171 and it was consecrated on 4 July 1331. Its foundations and later architectural development are located on the remains of an ancient Roman construction begun in the second quarter of the 1st century bc. and completed at the beginning of the Vespasian Empire (69-79 AD). The Cathedral is gothic in style. Its floor plan is in the form of a Latin cross, with three naves each with their own apses and transept. The head is of Romanesque tradition with half-point arches supporting the extension of the stone wall and pilasters following the new constructive techniques of the Gothic movement.
Reviewed By VadimM67 - Murmansk, Russia
The Cathedral of Tarragona faces the visitors with its facade. You can't get around it and photograph it from different angles like Sagrada Familia or Notre-Dame de Paris. Adjacent houses and walls prevent you from seeing the result of a century and a half of construction. The best way to see the entire Cathedral is to go to Torrellas de Llobregat in the Park Catalunya in miniature. The fact that the Cathedral is located in urban development suggests that it was not built on an empty place. Harshly denouncing paganism, the Christians nevertheless quietly parasitized on his achievements. Originally there was a Roman temple dedicated to Octavian Augustus. Converted to Christianity, the Visigoths built the first Church here in the IV century AD. the Arabs also didn`t invent anything and placed a mosque here. By the way, the Moorish set ceilings were preserved in the Cathedral. It is not known exactly when the Cathedral appeared in its current form. The first mention dates back to the XII century. The facade of the Cathedral is Romano-Gothic. The most interesting thing on the facade, in addition to the traditional Gothic rose, is the figures of the apostles (XIV century). By the way, the rose appeared later, because the Cathedral was originally built as a fortress, so the Windows resembled loopholes and were located high. There was little hope for the power of the word of Christ; the thick walls and powerful buttresses were much more significant. I`ve seen similar fortress churches in Montpellier and Toulouse, which once again speaks of the cultural and historical community of Catalonia and French Languedoc. The Cathedral was completed in 1350. However, this doesn`t mean that the interior is Gothic. Renaissance and Baroque chapels were added to the Cathedral in the XIV-XVIII centuries. The main masterpiece inside is a 15th-century altar by Pere Johan, whose bas-reliefs depict the life of Saint Thecla, patroness of Tarragona. In addition to the altar of 5 € (ticket price) , you can see the sarcophagus of Juan of Aragon, wooden pews of the choir of the XIV century, Baroque chapels with intricate stucco, a small Museum and a cloister. However, I passed until 10 am for free, but the Museum and cloister didn`t get there. The Cathedral was definitely worth a visit. The modest size of the facade is disorienting for tourists. The Cathedral is similar to the houses in Amsterdam (there because of taxes): the narrow facade doesn`t suggest how long the house is in reality. So it is here.
5. Monasterio de Sant Pere de Rodes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,074 reviews
Reviewed By jfeliua - Rubi, Spain
Beautiful and historical church, very well preserved and with excursions nearby with spectacular views
6. Parish Church of Sant Roma
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,003 reviews
Reviewed By montag571
Beautiful. In centre of town. Easy accessible. Beautiful building. Nice trees around it. We enjoyed it
7. Turo Seu Vella
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,248 reviews
Reviewed By taffybach - Lleida, Spain
It was 40 degrees C today but it didn't stop us making our way up the hill using the elevator accessed off main street. We even climbed the 238 stairs for superb views over Lleida from the top of the bell tower. The cathedral itself is a fascinating place. Still standing and looking good but the ravages of so many wars, battles and misuse have made there mark. Part of the fascination of the place though.
8. Church of Sant Bartomeu & Santa Tecla
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 585 reviews
Reviewed By Danielontour - Broek in Waterland, The Netherlands
On the top of a little hill, looking over the sea and the village. Nice architecture. Romantic lightning in the evening. An icon of Sitges.
9. The Penedes from its highest bell tower: Basilica of Santa Maria
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 63 reviews
10. La Seu d'Urgell Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 273 reviews
Reviewed By 487ALISONH - Harrogate, United Kingdom
Your entry ticket covers both the cathedral , the museum and the cloisters . These are which you see first ; the sense of peace and tranquillity is overwhelming . Don't miss the museum which houses many religious artefacts from churches around the region and displays explaining the techniques used to create medieval manuscripts , some restored murals and a collection of Madonnas and Child . Unfortunately the audio visual installation wasn't working but we had really come to admire the romanesque cathedral and its smaller chapel of St Michael . Restoration has been excellent and very little decoration made , which might detract from the wonderful architecture . The town has some ancient arcades , the palace of the Bishop , who is ex officio , one of the co-princes of Andorra . Its other attraction is the canal with artificial rapids constructed for the Barcelona Olympic canoe and kayak events , which still attracts exponents of those sports .
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