The Cathedral of Barcelona is dedicated to Saint Eulalia and the Holy Cross, and this explains many things.
First of all, the presence of the crypt dedicated to the saint, with its remains and a sarcophagus that tells the founding of Barcelona by Hercules. So far, everything is clear. Then there is a cloister, with the Fountain of Eden. Here the thing is more complicated: the cloister is “defended” by 13 white geese.
What are they doing here? The origin is uncertain, but the popular legend wants to represent the 13 years of Eulalia (300 AD) child martyr who was sacrificed in the place where today stands cathedral.
The Cathedral is also dedicated to the Holy Cross, the Crucifix of the fifteenth century placed above the altar that according to tradition in 1571 was hoisted on the ship of John of Austria as a banner during the battle of Lepanto against the Turks.
It seems that during the battle the Crucified Christ moved to avoid a cannonball. This would explain the strange form it took.
For refusing to recant her Christianity, the Romans subjected her to thirteen tortures; including:
- Putting her into a barrel with knives (or glass) stuck into it and rolling it down a street (according to tradition, the one now called Baixada de Santa Eulalia “Saint Eulalia’s descent”).
- Cutting off her breasts
- Crucifixion on an X-shaped cross. She is depicted with this cross, the instrument of her martyrdom.
- Finally, decapitation.
USEFUL INFO
Opening hours: Mon – Fri (12.30 PM – 07.45 PM), Sat (12.30 PM – 05.30 PM), Sun (02.00 PM – 05.30 PM)
Admission: €7
How to reach: Metro Jaume I
Address: Pla de la Seu, 3
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