Churches in Barcelona – From Sant Pau del Camp to the Sagrada Familia

Barcelona looks back on a very old history, which is reflected in its many different “Barrios” (quarters) and in its buildings. Most significant and telling buildings are certainly the churches and cathedrals, which are spread all over the town and which mark each district's origins in case of both architecture and atmosphere.

The oldest church in the Catalan metropolis is called the Sant Pau del Camp, which is located in the nowadays district of Raval and which is the only Roman building in Barcelona. Some foundation can still be seen nearby. The Benedictine monestary was originally constructed in the 9^th century and was rebuilt in the 11^th and 12^th century after it had been destroyed by the army of Almanzor. Further destructions made additional rennovations necessary and nowadays one can see different epochal influences, which underwent Barcelona. However, the Sant Pau del Camp is not that flamboyant compared to the higher decorated church of Santa Maria del Mar, which was built in the 14^th century (1329 – 1370) and which attracts the most marriages in Barcelona because of its breathtaking interior. Due to the fact that it was only ruined by the anarchists during the Spanish Civil War in 1936, it has kept its straight plain architecture and one can clearly see the gothic structures. It is located in the quarter of Born and was built for the sailors and mechants of Barcelona, as the the church is dedicated to Saint Mary of the Sea, the patron saint of sailors.

One more famous ecclesiastical building in Barcelona is the Cathedral de la Santa Creu i Santa Eulalia. Or also known as La Seu. The cathedral is located in the heart of the city and its history reflects the different stages of the city's development. Already in 343 A.D., the Romans built a basilica on the same ground, which was then destroyed completely in 985 by the Moors. Later, it was replaced by a Roman cathedral again in the 11^th century. However, one more time the church was demolished by King Jaume II, who reconstructed it as a gothic cathedral in the beginnings of the . Only the chapel of Santa Llucia remained. The construction of the main cathedral itself took from 1298 to 1460 and additional works on the gothic facade were finished in the late 19^th century. While many changes have been made in case of the cathedral, the Santa Llucia chapel has kept its cosy character and the famous 13 geese. Each goose represents one year in the life of the martyr Santa Eulalia, who was tortured to death in the 4th century by the Romans for her religion.
Certainly the highlight of Barcelona is the Sagrada Familia with its lovingly detailed decoration and its huge dimensions. The popular Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí started planning this monumental work in 1883 and kept working on it until his death; which does not mean that he finished his lifework. On the contrary, constructions still go on and there are people who claim it to be a neverending endeavor although the original plans for the cathedral already have been reduced to a third of its former layout. Rising difficulties with adding further parts and the problem of failing funds complicate the building and extend its completion.

If people also want to get in touch with other famous buildings like the Casa Milà or the Casa Batllo by Gaudi, museums like the MACBA or parks like the Parc de Güell, it is highly recommended to spend a weekend in Barcelona. That should be enough to enjoy the culture as well as to relax the wheather and the friendly atmosphere. Accommodation can be found easily but should be compared to other offers. Therefore, visitors should think about renting an apartment instead of paying higher prices for hotels. There are also providers, which offer both hotels and apartments like e.g. www.oh-barcelona.com, which makes comparisons easier and the organization more comfortable.