Last Day in Barcelona

I started out on my last day in Barcelona with a brisk walk through the Gothic Quarter. Before long, I came upon the Basilica de Santa Maria del Pi. This beautiful structure opened in 1319. A variety of restorations took place throughout the decades. However, in 1936, the basilica was gutted by fire deliberately set by anarchists during the Spanish Civil War. The basilica was restored to its present structure following the end of the Civil War.

What I found intriguing about this basilica was the massive amounts of candles on the steps of the altar. At a closer look, the black structure in the center is a covered piano. The candles may have been a backdrop for a recent concert. It must have been beautiful to see the candles on full display.

After a few more miles of walking, I headed back to the Cathedral of Barcelona located across from my hotel. I bought a self-guided tour ticket that included access to the roof top.

When entering a beautiful cathedral, it is an automatic response to look up. It is quite breathtaking to see the beauty created in God’s honor.

In this cathedral there was a separation that provided special seating for the choir with beautiful, ornate wood carvings.

Before reaching the main altar, there was a staircase leading down to a beautiful crypt where ***Saint Eulalia*** was buried.

***Saint Eulalia*** is the co-patron saint of Barcelona. She shares this honor with ***Our Lady of Mercy.*** Saint Eulalia was a 13-year-old Roman Christian virgin who was martyred in Barcelona during the reign of emperor Diocletian.

In addition to the crypt, there were several side altars throughout the cathedral.

One of the last areas near the entrance doors was the large baptismal font. The door next to the baptismal font led to the roof top access.

It was quite a narrow staircase that led to a landing which housed several artifacts.

The last set of stairs was a circular stairway. It was a long way to the top but well worth it.

I truly enjoyed my time in Barcelona. But this was just the beginning of my 17-day Spain adventure.

Next stop – Valencia. Let me know in the comments below if you know what Valencia is famous for.

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