6 Historic Churches You Can Still Visit in Barcelona

Table of Contents

• 1. Monastery of Sant Pau del Camp
• 2. Barcelona Cathedral
• 3. Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar
• 4. Basílica de Santa Maria del Pi
• 5. Basílica dels Sants Màrtirs Just i Pastor
• 6. Església de Sant Felip Neri
• References
• Images Sources

1. Monastery of Sant Pau del Camp

This is as old as it gets in Barcelona.

The Monastery of Sant Pau del Camp is like walking into a medieval time capsule right in the middle of the El Raval neighborhood.

Dating all the way back to the 9th or 10th century, it's the oldest preserved church in the city.

Even though it got sacked in 985 (yeah, it's been through some stuff), a lot of its Romanesque charm is still intact.

You'll notice the rounded arches and thick stone walls that scream "built to last." Later on, Gothic and even some Moorish influences were added, giving it a cool mix of styles.

The cloister is small but super peaceful, with intricate capitals carved with animals and biblical scenes.

It's a great hidden gem if you're looking for something quieter than the main tourist spots.

What to look for:

• Compact Romanesque cloister

• Moorish horseshoe arches

• Ancient tombstones from early monks

2. Barcelona Cathedral

Also known as the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia (but locals just call it the Cathedral), this Gothic wonder dominates the Gothic Quarter.

Construction started in 1298 on the site of earlier Roman and Visigoth churches.

It took a while to finish—like a few centuries.

The main Gothic structure wrapped up in the 15th century, but the super ornate facade and central spire?

Those weren't added until the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Inside, you'll find soaring arches, creepy-yet-cool gargoyles, and a beautiful cloister where 13 white geese live (long story involving a martyr).

It's packed with history, legends, and vibes.

You don't need to be religious to enjoy it—it's more like stepping into a fantasy novel.

Don't miss:

• The crypt of Saint Eulalia

• The geese in the cloister

• Views from the rooftop terrace (elevator available)

3. Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar

Right in the heart of El Born, this church is all about pure Catalan Gothic.

Built between 1329 and 1383, it's surprisingly fast for medieval standards.

What makes it stand out is how clean and balanced everything feels.

The columns soar straight up without too much decoration, and the interior feels open and airy.

It's got a vibe—like something ancient and peaceful at the same time.

It's also a bit of a survivor.

The church has been through earthquakes and even took some damage during the Spanish Civil War but managed to keep its spirit intact.

This one's perfect if you want to admire Gothic architecture without the crowds of the Cathedral.

Top features:

• Slim columns spaced 13 meters apart

• Stained glass windows from different centuries

• A strong local identity—this is the people's church of Barcelona

4. Basílica de Santa Maria del Pi

If you like big rose windows and bell towers, this one's your stop.

santa maria del Pi is right in the Gothic quarter and has been part of barcelona's skyline since the 1300s.

It started construction in 1322 and got consecrated in 1453.

the massive rose window is one of the biggest in europe and totally worth staring at.

it glows beautifully during the late afternoon sun.

its 54-meter bell tower (started in 1379) gives you a great panoramic view of the city—if you're up for the climb.

Inside, its got a cozy Gothic feel, not too flashy but very atmospheric.

things to check out:

• The rose window—especially at sunset

• crypts and chapels with hidden gems

• the climb to the bell tower (wear comfy shoes!)

5. Basílica dels Sants Màrtirs Just i Pastor

this one often flies under the radar, but its actually built on one of the earliest Christian sites in the city, dating all the way back to 801.

The current building took a while to build—over two centuries, from 1342 to 1574.

It's tucked away in a quiet corner of the Gothic quarter and feels super authentic.

The outside is plain and kind of modest, but once you step in, theres this sense of deep history.

you can even check out archaeological digs below the church that reveal Roman and early medieval remains.

Why visit:

• Peaceful, less touristy atmosphere

• Fascinating underground ruins

• Great acoustics for concerts

6. Església de Sant Felip Neri

This one hits you right in the heart.

Tucked in a small square in the Gothic Quarter, this Baroque-style church was built between 1721 and 1752.

But the most striking thing?

The scars on the facade.

The church was bombed during the Spanish Civil War in 1938, and the damage was left as a reminder.

You can still see the pockmarks from the explosion, which tragically killed dozens of civilians, many of them children.

Inside, it's quiet and simple, often with soft classical music playing.

It's the kind of place where you naturally lower your voice.

Emotional highlights:

• The bomb-scarred facade

• Peaceful, music-filled interior

• Memorials to victims of the bombing

whether you're into architecture, history, or just looking to escape the buzz of the city for a while, these historic churches in barcelona offer something truly special.

each one has its own story, its own vibe, and its own way of connecting you to the past.

so next time you're strolling through the gothic quarter or born, keep your eyes open—history is literally around every corner.

Sources and References

• Barcelona Turisme Official Website (barcelonaturisme.com)

• Museu d'Història de Barcelona (MUHBA)

• Archdiocese of Barcelona

• Generalitat de Catalunya - Patrimoni Arquitectònic

• Local historical plaques and guided tour notes

Images Sources and Attributions

All images used within this page have been sourced from Wikimedia Commons. They are used here strictly for informational and illustrative purposes.