Barcelona Cathedral (also known as La Seu) is a celebrated example of Catalan Gothic architecture dating from the 14th century. Its graceful spires can be seen from throughout the Barri Gòtic (Gothic quarter) of Barcelona. La Seu is officially known as Catedral de la Santa Creu i Santa Eulalia in Catalan and is dedicated to Eulalia of Barcelona, co-patron saint of Barcelona.

Spain is one of the most visited countries in the world due to its beauty and due to the fact that it is very diversified; it is this diversity that most attracts tourists as they like to visit a country to fit their tastes. When you visit Spain, it is impossible not to find something of your taste, something you enjoy, as there is an extremely wide range of entertainment possibilities, of places to visit and things to see. Among the attractions of Spain, Barcelona occupies a top place; even though it is not the capital of the country, Barcelona sometimes attracts more visitors than Madrid. One of its biggest attractions is the beautiful La Seu Cathedral.

The elevated site occupied by the cathedral has always been the spiritual center of Barcelona. First there was a Roman temple here, then a mosque, and then a church. Construction on the present cathedral began in 1298 under King Jaume II and was completed in 1448. The west facade dates from the 19th century.

Gaudi's La Sagrada Familia may be Barcelona's most famous landmark (and rightly so), but La Seu still holds its own as one of the most impressive cathedrals in Spain.

Already in 343 A.D. during the Roman Empire a basilica was built at the site of the current cathedral. In 985 the basilica was destroyed by the Moors. It was replaced by a Roman cathedral, built between 1046 and 1058. A Roman chapel, the Capella de Santa Llucia, was added between 1257 and 1268. It was later incorporated in the cloister next to the cathedral.

A blending of medieval and Renaissance styles, Barcelona's cathedral features large bell towers covered in Gothic pinnacles, high Gothic arches, a handsomely sculptured choir and many side chapels with rich altarpieces. The interior was recently cleaned. Especially notable is the Cappella de Sant Benet behind the altar, with a magnificent 15th-century interpretation of the crucifixion by Bernat Matorell.

The crypt beneath the high altar contains the impressive alabaster sarcophagus of Santa Eulalia, patroness of the cathedral and co-patroness of the city. The virgin daughter of an upper-class Barcelona family, Eulalia was burned at the stake for her beliefs under the Romans (traditionally dated to February 12, 304). Drop some coins in a slot to light up the crypt.

Probably the best part of the cathedral is the 14th-century cloister, which the historian Cirici called "the loveliest oasis in Barcelona." Its vaulted galleries overlook a lush garden filled with orange, medlar and palm trees and a mossy central pond. Underneath the well-worn slabs of its stone floor are the tombs of key members of the Barri Gòtic's ancient guilds.

Unusually, the cloister is home to a gaggle of white geese whose ancestors have lived here for five centuries. How they originally came to be here remains a mystery and they are certainly an unusual feature for a cathedral. Various legends have it that they represent the virginity of St. Eulalia or the former splendor of Rome.

On the northern side is the chapter house, which contains a small museum of religious artifacts. The highlight is the 15th-century La Pietat of Bartolomé Bermejo. An elevator ride to the roof provides a fine view of Gothic Barcelona.

Adjacent to the cathedral is a 14th century cloister. There are always 13 geese in its central courtyard. Each goose represents one year in the life of the martyr Santa Eulalia, a young girl tortured to death in the 4th century by the Romans for her religion. The cloister also contains a small museum with liturgist artifacts.

On first entering you’ll be struck by the amazing wood carvings on every wall. A side chapel holds a cross removed from a galleon that participated in the Battle of Lepanto in 1571. The Christ figure on the cross is bending to the right. According to a Spanish legend the motion was to avoid a cannonball fired during the conflict. Other chapels within the cathedral tell equally fantastic and interesting stories.

The Cappella de Sant Benet behind the altar houses a crucifix from the 15th century. It is not immediately visible to the casual observer, but if you want to see everything you should seek it out. Your effort will be well rewarded.

Beneath the altar is the crypt alleged to hold the body of St. Eulalia, the 13 year-old martyr who became co-patron saint of Barcelona. Since the legend has it that she was slain in a square during Roman times by being rolled in a barrel stuck full of knives, it’s unlikely the sarcophagus contains much. Other versions have her being burned at the stake for her Christian beliefs, not a common practice during Roman times. But, as with most legends, the story is often more important than the facts.

In front of the cathedral is the grand square of the Plaça de la Seu, where on Saturday from 6 pm to 8 pm, Sunday morning, and occasional evenings, Barcelona folk gather to dance the sardana, the somewhat dainty and understated circular dance, a great symbol of Catalan identity. Watch carefully: mixed in with heroic septuagenarians bouncing demurely are some young esbarts (dance troupes) with very serious coaches working on every aspect of their performance, from posture to the angle of arms to the smooth, cat's paw-like footwork. The rings of dancers deep in concentration repeat the surprisingly athletic movements and steps that represent a thousand years of tradition. Also check out the listings for the annual series of evening organ concerts held inside the cathedral.

The Gothic Quarter of Barcelona is a popular sightseeing tourist place that attracts lots of people every year. In the heart of the Old City of Barcelona and a must-see in every tour guide, there reasonably are placed lots of hotels and apartments for rent where you can stay during your vacation in Barcelona. You can get there via direct flight to Barcelona or to Girona, Reus or Lleida – Alguaire.