I have visited more churches/cathedrals than i can count but this was so unique. Love those huge…read moregothic churches but they are dark inside. This was stunningly and lots of light. The colored rays from the stained glass was breathtaking and like nothing I've even seen. I hear it changes at different times of day. The outside can be seem from miles away due the the size but once right there the details are so interesting. We signed up for guardi excursion and they got us in quicker as the lines are ridiculous. But they limited our time. I would have stayed much longer. Its nearly finished after all these year and one of the reasons I chose Spain as a travel destination. If you are in Barcelona definitely dont miss visiting here. No matter your relationship with religion this is a work of art. Stunning even though crowded. as with most things the pictures just cant do it justice. I feel so blessed to have been able to finally see it in person. I don't know that Spain and Portugal are places we would return but this was on top of our list for Spain. Designed by Antoni Gaudi construction was began in 1882 and not funded by Vatican or government so depends of ticket and donations. Plus construction was slowed by need to acquire adjacent properties that were anxious to sell. crazy it took over 140 yrs. So its a rare mixture of new and old. Be very aware tickets sell our weeks ahead. This was an added excursion with our go ahead tour. If i were to return to Barcelona I'd def visit all the Gaudi locations again.

This was more than I expected it to be. Our tour was amazing! If you can, book a tour. Our guide…read morewas very passionate and knowledgeable about the basilica. Initially, I thought I knew what we were getting into but quickly found out I had no clue. On top of this being an immense building project, it is also filled with symbolism. Everything in the cathedral has a declarative and deliberate purpose, nothing is random. Also, there is a fantastically assembled museum under the church. Don't miss out on this amazing experience. Enjoy!

We had a tour Friday and arrived on the mountain around 10:30 via Bus and Rack Railway (Cremallera)…read morefor the last 10 minutes. You get some breathtaking views as you climb towards 1236 ft. and also experience the railway car that has been around since the 1800s with the original car on display at the station. Once we got to the main area of the mountain, there is quite a bit to do and you can spend a full day if you took the time to take it all in. The jagged rock formations of the mountain range give a few photo ops. The main event was the Basilica/Abbey with the Black Madonna and hearing the Escolania Boys Choir. Peaceful, serene and listening to this choir for a few minutes before bed has to help with insomnia. There are plenty of hiking options with a 15 minute hike to the top for more breathtaking views. Would recommend visiting the museum. Many shopping and food options (Cafes) with our tour guide recommending a Buffet restaurant. I tend to stay away from Buffet spots and should have followed my instincts. It was ok and really was at a disadvantage after the meals we had in Barcelona-stick with the Cafes. Overall, well worth the time and visit!

The Montserrat Mountain nearby was a cool shape and religious locals make the pilgrimage there. The…read moretown operates at a slower pace. The Abbey was pretty but small and there are grander ones elsewhere but it is one of the few locations with a Black Madonna. There are cheese vendors in town and I recommend the Mel I mato and Truffle cheese.

This truly amazing Romanesque cathedral is the centerpiece of this well preserved, living, 10th…read morecentury Catalan village. The first time I came to Barcelona I missed Girona as a day trip and now that I've been here I insist if you're in Catalonia you simply must experience this. A full day maybe two. The massive church is not just Romanesque, there are Gothic and Baroque elements. There are 8 pagan and early Christian sarcophagi (the 4th century), the recumbent Christ dates back to the 14th century by sculptor Aloi de Montbrai. It's just breathtaking. There is an admission fee, I can't remember what it was because a visit here is truly a priceless experience. It is up a steep climb but just take your time, rest a bit, climb on. Do not miss this.

A beautiful church that was once known as Girona's only cathedral up until the 10th century. It's…read morewell known for its' gothic structure, interior artwork, and slim bell tower. The church is named after and dedicated to St. Felix of Girona. I did a walking tour of Girona and the Basilica of Sant Feliu was one of the highlights. It isn't nearly as popular or as crowded as the nearby Girona Cathedral, but it still holds a great significance to the city. I did not get to tour the inside of the church, but the facade is charming enough to warrant a visit even if you don't go inside. If you're able to embark on a guided walking tour of the city, you'll learn a lot about the history of the church. Since Girona is small, most tours include the Basilica of Sant Feliu and you'll be able to walk through most of the downtown area in one day. It's worth a stop and at least a walking tour if you're planning to explore Girona.

This is such a beautiful cathedral and has so much history. It is a Roman Catholic Church known for…read moreits gothic architecture. Also a fun fact is that scenes from Game of Thrones was shot here. It's a must see when visiting Girona!

This is the Roman Catholic cathedral in Girona Catalonia Spain and the seat of the Roman Catholic…read moreDiocese of Girona. I'm far from a history buff but tourists from all over flock to see this preserved old church and for 7.50€ you can tour the interior although the mere gothic-like exterior architecture is a facinating view. There are an exhausting amount of wide cement steps leading to the top expansive entrance. Today, many tour groups cluttered near the top discussing the history of this beautiful church with a deep significance to the village of Girona.

The Cathedral of Barcelona, which is also called the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia,…read morewas built in the Gothic style from 1298 to the 15th century. It is an active church that provides masses, confessions, and other sacraments. It also provides tours for 16 euros and up (as of the time of this review). I understand that some people think that a church should be free to enter, but I also understand that many tourists are not practicing Catholics and that the church needs to bring in revenue to pay its bills. My tour guide took my husband and me to the exterior of this church and explained its architecture and history. We did not pay for an interior tour. It is a lovely church to see.

The cathedral was beautiful and the rooftop views were simply stunning. Definitely worth a visit…read morewhen visiting Barcelona.

Don't let the distance dissuade you from visiting. There are a few ways to get there including…read moremetro and bus though we did taxi from where we were at the time. We actually went here before we visited La Sagrada Familia. If it had been reversed it would have felt anticlimatic. This site though has its own charms. The view of Barcelona is amazing. Definitely pay for the elevator (5 euro) ride. It takes you from ground (church ) level almost to the top just below the statue of Christ. The final level is accessed by stairs. When we arrived they were actually getting ready for Mass and we happily joined in. The Mass was in Castilian but the Catholic Mass structure is universal and I downloaded readings in English prior. As churches go, it was small but highly ornate. Oddly enough there is a carnival park as part of the grounds. Seems out of place but I suspect if you're going to haul your kids up there for Mass then they need to make it a family affair plus it brings in money. There is also a restaurant but we did not do that.

I would absolutely recommend hiking up to the temple. The view of Barcelona is stunning. We took a…read moretrain to the funicular and hiked up to the church from there. The hike is ~1.5 miles, but there is a notable incline. There is a funicular available for 5€ round trip, but this only gets you about halfway up

After visiting the other must see Catholic Churches in Barcelona this was by far my favorite…read more Built by the people for the people. The remnants of the fires that destroyed most of the original art in the church gives it character. We were not able to go to mass there but we most definitely will next time in town. Beautiful example of Catalonian Gothic and simply majestic and a must see.

Beautiful church. If you go during the day, there is a small fee. In the evening between 6 and 8:30…read morepm ish, it's free but our itinerary was booked. Once inside, there is a door that goes up to the rooftop. It's free and is worth checking out. Spectacular views of the city.